Herbal Shampoo Formulation and Evaluation: Herbal Ingredients, Quality Control, Stability Studies, and Future Perspectives

Herbal shampoos contain plant extracts as well as cleansing and conditioning agents. But, as with any product, the presence of plant-derived ingredients does not necessarily mean they are safer or more effective. This review paper summarises the common botanicals, formulation techniques, physicochemical evaluation, quality control, stability assessment and the relevant Indian cosmetic legislation. The reported components include Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), soap nut/Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Shikakai (Senegalia rugata), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), neem (Azadirachta indica), and aloe vera. Each of them has different phytochemical profiles and potential cosmetic applications [1–6]. Although the test procedures and results vary with the formulations, published research on shampoos generally covers pH, viscosity, foaming, wetting, filth dispersion, solid content and cleansing efficacy [2,7–10]. Therefore, the numerical values given for a single formulation should not be considered as universal acceptability criteria. Quality assurance should include botanical identification and raw material controls, appropriate preservation and microbiological testing, product-specific stability studies and compliance with relevant regulations in the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 [11–16]. Important evidence gaps include: limited comparative clinical data, variability of plant extracts and the need to distinguish between proven benefits of completed rinse-off products, and traditional use or in-vitro activities.