FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL HAIR SERUM USING Malphigia emerginata EXTRACT

ABSTRACT Hair plays an important role in personal appearance and is considered an important part of personal grooming. However, hair and scalp problems such as hair fall, dandruff, dryness, hair breakage and poor hair texture are commonly experienced due to various environmental, lifestyle and nutritional factors. The increasing use of chemical-based hair care products has created interest in herbal and natural alternatives for hair and scalp care. Herbal preparations are preferred because they contain naturally occurring phytoconstituents that may provide beneficial effects for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Malpighia emarginata, commonly known as Barbados cherry, is a plant containing various biologically active constituents and has potential for use in herbal cosmetic preparations. The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate an herbal hair serum containing Malpighia emarginata leaves extract. The leaves extract was prepared and incorporated into a suitable serum base, and five different formulations, F1–F5, were prepared with varying concentrations of the formulation components. The prepared formulations were evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, homogeneity, skin irritation, consistency and drying time. The formulations showed characteristic herbal odour, acceptable colour, smooth appearance and good homogeneity without phase separation. The pH values ranged from 5.2 to 5.5, indicating a slightly acidic nature suitable for scalp application. The viscosity increased gradually from F1 to F5, whereas spreadability decreased with increasing viscosity. All the formulations were found to be easily washable and showed no significant signs of skin irritation. Among the prepared formulations, F3 showed a satisfactory balance of viscosity, spreadability, consistency and drying time and was considered the most suitable formulation. Thus, the study indicates that Malpighia emarginata leaves extract can be successfully incorporated into an herbal hair serum with satisfactory physical and physicochemical properties.