HERBAL COSMECEUTICALS: FORMULATION OF CREAM AND SOAP WITH VARNYA MAHAKASHAYA

Introduction: With rising consumer demand for natural and sustainable skincare, Ayurveda offers a time-tested alternative. Varnya Mahakashaya, a group of complexion-enhancing herbs described in the Charaka Samhita, provides a promising base for modern herbal formulations. Methods: Using Ayurvedic principles, a herbal cream and soap were developed with Varnya herbs such as Rakta Chandana, Manjishtha, Yashtimadhu, Durva etc, The cream was formulated using the Oil-in-Water emulsion method, while the soap was prepared via the Cold Process method. Both products were formulated and evaluated according to Indian Standards. Results: The herbal cream exhibited a skin-compatible pH of 5.3. The soap met IS 286 (Part 1):2015 standards, achieving a Grade A rating with 79.6% Total Fatty Matter (TFM). Clinical application on volunteers with fungal infections showed significant improvement, indicating antifungal and therapeutic efficacy. Discussion: The successful formulation of these products validate the use of Varnya Mahakashaya in modern skincare. The results highlight the potential of integrating classical Ayurvedic knowledge into contemporary cosmetology.