FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL MULTIPURPOSE CREAM FOR SKIN CARE

The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal multipurpose cream containing Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Vitex negundo (Nirgundi), and Aloe vera for multifunctional skincare applications. These medicinal plants possess reported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, soothing, and skin-healing properties. The selected herbal ingredients were incorporated into an oil-in-water (O/W) cream base using beeswax, stearic acid, borax, liquid paraffin, almond oil, glycerine, and methyl paraben. Two formulations, F1 and F2, were prepared using a modified emulsification method, with F2 containing increased beeswax and stearic acid as an optimized emulsifier system. The formulations were evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, pH, spreadability, homogeneity, texture, washability, type of emulsion, centrifugation stability, and phase separation over a 21-day observation period. Formulation F1 showed instability, including phase separation, poor spreadability, greasy texture, discoloration, and a gradual decrease in pH. In contrast, F2 exhibited a smooth and homogeneous appearance, pleasant herbal odour, good washability, higher spreadability, and stable O/W emulsion characteristics. The pH of F2 remained stable from 6.1 to 6.0 during the observation period. Its spreadability was higher than F1, with a spread diameter of 5.3 cm compared with 4.1 cm for F1. F2 also showed no visible phase separation after centrifugation or during the observation period. The findings indicate that appropriate selection and balance of emulsifiers and herbal ingredients are important for obtaining a physically stable and cosmetically acceptable polyherbal cream. The optimized F2 formulation showed promising physical characteristics and may be considered for further development as a herbal topical skincare formulation.