COSMECEUTICAL POTENTIAL OF CARICA PAPAYA, BACOPA MONNIERI, AND PSORALEA CORYLIFOLIA IN POLYHERBAL CREAM FORMULATION: A REVIEW

The growing demand for safer and naturally derived cosmetic products has increased interest in herbal ingredients for dermatological formulations. Medicinal plants contain a variety of bioactive phytochemicals that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective properties. Among these, Carica papaya, Bacopa monnieri, and Psoralea corylifolia have gained considerable attention due to their potential applications in cosmetic and cosmeceutical preparations. Papaya contains the proteolytic enzyme papain along with phenolic compounds that contribute to exfoliation and antioxida nt activity. Bacopa monnieri is rich in bacosides, which possess antioxidant and protective effects against oxidative stress. Psoralea corylifolia contains bakuchiol, a plant-derived compound reported to exhibit retinol-like activity and potential benefits in improving skin appearance and pigmentation. The combination of these plant extracts in a polyherbal cream formulation may provide synergistic dermatological benefits including exfoliation, antioxidant protection, and improvement of skin texture. This review highlights the phytochemical composition and cosmeceutical potential of these plants.