CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE METRICS OF A NOVEL POLYHERBAL SHAMPOO CONTAINING BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS

Abstract Shampoo is a cosmetic formulation primarily used for cleansing the hair and scalp. In the current market, most commercially available shampoos are synthetically derived. The objective of this study is to develop a herbal shampoo using natural plant-based ingredients that exhibit comparable benefits to those offered by chemical formulations, such as promoting hair growth, enhancing shine, improving hair strength, and providing anti-dandruff effects. The key herbal components incorporated into this polyherbal formulation include extracts from Terminalia chebula, Acacia concinna (Wild.), Lawsonia inermis, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Phyllanthus emblica, Sapindus mukorossi, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, Citrus sinensis, Moringa oleifera, and Camellia sinensis. These botanicals contribute various functional properties to the shampoo, such as natural gelling, emulsifying, moisturizing, hydrating, surfactant, thickening, and foaming effects. Multiple formulations were prepared and assessed in a laboratory. They were then evaluated against several physicochemical parameters, including organoleptic characteristics, pH, dirt dispersion, surface tension, foaming capacity, and formulation stability, and compared with standard synthetic shampoos available in the market. The study successfully resulted in the development of a high-quality, cost-effective herbal shampoo that may serve as a superior alternative to conventional chemical-based products.