FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF A HERBAL COLD CREAM CONTAINING CARROT EXTRACT AND COCONUT OIL

Background: Herbal topical formulations are increasingly investigated as alternatives or complements to conventional cosmetic preparations because plant-derived ingredients may provide moisturizing, soothing and antioxidant-associated properties. coconut oil and carrot-derived material have been incorporated into topical formulations for skin-care applications. Objective: The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal cold cream containing carrot extract and coconut oil with respect to appearance, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, washability, smear characteristics, emolliency, skin compatibility and physical stability. Materials and Methods: The formulation described in the source using six selected ingredients: carrot, coconut oil, beeswax, liquid paraffin, borax, and methyl paraben. Carrot was selected as the natural botanical component, while coconut oil, beeswax, and liquid paraffin constituted the lipid phase of the cream. Borax was incorporated as an emulsifying/stabilizing component, and methyl paraben was used as a preservative and purified water. Carrot material was prepared by drying, pulverization and ethanol maceration, followed by concentration of the extract. The cream was prepared by heating the oil and aqueous phases to 70–75°C, emulsifying with continuous stirring, cooling to approximately 40°C and incorporating coconut oil. The finished formulation was evaluated by standard observational and physicochemical tests. Results: The formulation was described as white, smooth, homogeneous and slightly aromatic. The reported pH was 5.5-6.0 and spreadability was 600 g·cm/s. The formulation showed good washability, a non-greasy smear and good emolliency. The dye test was reported to indicate an oil-in-water (W/O) emulsion. No redness, edema, itching or other irritation was observed under the stated test conditions, and no significant physical instability was reported during the study period. Conclusion: The developed in herbal cold cream formulation demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical and cosmetic characteristics in the reported evaluation. Further work should include validated analytical characterization of the herbal actives, microbiological quality testing, preservative-efficacy testing, larger and ethically approved skin-compatibility studies, and longer-term stability assessment before publication claims are extended to clinical efficacy or safety.