Formulation and Evaluation of A Herbal-Based Antiaging Hydrogel

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal-based anti-aging hydrogel utilizing natural extracts of butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), green tea (Camellia sinensis), orange peel (Citrus aurantium), and alum. Increasing consumer demand for safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternatives to synthetic cosmetics has driven the exploration of herbal formulations with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Hydrogels, due to their high-water content, biocompatibility, and controlled release properties, were selected as the delivery system. Five batches (B1–B5) were prepared with varying combinations of the selected herbal extracts and were evaluated for physicochemical properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, stability, drug content, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Results revealed that batch B1, containing all extracts, exhibited the most significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, alongside favorable physical properties and stability. These findings highlight the synergistic effect of combining herbal extracts in hydrogel formulations and demonstrate the potential of herbal-based hydrogels as effective, safe, and sustainable anti-aging cosmeceuticals.