Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Face Wash from Pomegranate Peel Powder

Cosmetics are products designed to cleanse, beautify, and enhance the appearance of the skin. Historically, natural ingredients derived from plants have been widely used in skincare practices [1]. The skin, being the largest organ of the human body, not only reflects overall health but also serves as the primary barrier against environmental stressors. Daily exposure to pollutants, ultraviolet radiation, and other harmful agents can lead to conditions such as acne, dryness, and irritation. While synthetic cosmetic formulations are common, their potential adverse effects have raised concerns. Consequently, there is growing interest in safer, plant-based alternatives that emphasize natural efficacy and reduced risk [2,3].

Pomegranate, which is called Punica granatum, contains many active compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, ellagic acid, and punicalagin. These substances have abilities to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and stop the enzyme tyrosinase, all of which are good for the skin [4]. Other ingredients like Aloe vera, Tinospora cordifolia, and almond oil also help by soothing, killing bacteria, reducing oxidation, and providing nutrition to the skin [4].

Skin

Skin is the biggest organ in the body, covering all the outer parts and made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.Each of these layers has its own structure and job [5]. The skin helps protect the body from harmful things in the environment, stops the body from losing too much water, keeps the body temperature steady, and helps make vitamin D [6].

The epidermis has squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes, which help renew the skin and give it color. The dermis is strong and stretchy because of collagen, and it also has receptors that sense things like touch and pain. The hypodermis is like a cushion that helps absorb shocks and keeps the body warm [7,8].

Common skin issues include acne, wrinkles, rashes, dark circles, dark spots, and oily skin.These problems often come from things like too much oil production, being exposed to harmful elements, getting older, and certain lifestyle choices [9].

Fig.1 Structure of skin

Face Wash

Face wash is a product you use to clean your face by taking away dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and other impurities. It comes in different forms like gel, cream, or liquid. It should be easy to spread, stable, not leave a greasy feeling, and form a protective layer on the skin after use [3]. Using face wash regularly can help keep your skin clean, remove old skin cells, improve the look of your skin, stop acne from forming, and even help blood flow better. It can also help keep skin healthy, control oil, and make skin repair itself. Herbal face washes are made with plant-based ingredients and can offer extra benefits like reducing inflammation, fighting free radicals, and making skin feel nourished. They are especially useful for treating acne and keeping skin in good condition. They are good for all types of skin and use natural ingredients, which means they are less likely to irritate or be harmful. Because of their safe nature, affordability, and effectiveness, herbal cosmetics are widely accepted as a better choice compared to synthetic options [10].

MATERIAL AND METHOD

1. Materials:

Herbal Ingredients

1. Pomegranate – Anar, Dalim

The Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous Shrub (Family: Lythraceae). It contains chemical constituents such as Punicalagin, Punicalin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Punicalgin A, Punicalgin B, Ellagic acid, Gallic acid, Ellagitannins.There are many uses of Pomegranate like, Natural exfoliant, Antioxidant, It also improves skin elasticity, enhance skin tone, protects against sun damage, It reduces fine lines and wrinkles,  regular use of pomegranate peel powder can help improve Skin texture, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft [11].

Fig.2 Pomegranate

2. Almond Oil – Artificial almond oil; bitter almond oil; expressed almond Oil.

Almond oil is the fixed oil obtained by expression from the seeds of Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis (sweet Almonds) (Family: Rosaceae).

Its Chemical constituents are Fixed oil, Cyanogenelic glycoside amygdalin, Olein, Linoleic Acid, Benzaldehyde, Hydrocyanic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Tocopherols, etc.

Used in cosmetics, as laxative, emollient, The volatile Almond oil are used as flavouring agents [12].

Fig.3 Almond oil

3. Tinospora – Guruchi (Sanskrit), Amrita (Sanskrit), Gulvel (Marathi), Giloy (Hindi).

It is obtained from Tinospora cordifolia, a climbing shrub (Family: Menispermaceae).Its Chemical constituents are Alkaloids, Glycosides, Sesquiterpenoid, etc. Giloy is used with sugar to treat skin and liver diseases. It also boosts immunity and Digestion, It also treats chronic fever too [13].

Fig.4 Tinospora

4. Aloe vera – Aloe; Ghritakumari.

It is a dried juice collected from incision from the bases of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis or Aloe officinalis (Family: Liliaceae).Its chemical constituent are Aloe-emodin, It also contains vitamins, Enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.

Aloe vera has long been used to treat skin injuries (burns, wounds, insect bites, and Eczemas) as well as stomach problems because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, And wound-healing properties [14].

Fig.5 Aloe vera

5. Rose water – Attar of rose, lavender water, scented liquid.

Rose water is obtained from sepals and petals of Rosa damascena Through steam distillation (Family: Rosaceae). Its chemical constituent are volatiles mainly consist of 2-phenylethanol, linalool, Citronellol, nerol, geraniol, etc.

Use to smoothens skin irritation, reduce skin redness, heals cuts and scars, treat burns [15].

Fig.6 Rose water

Excipients

The excipients used in the formulation of Herbal face wash are as follows:

• Glycerin.
• Methyl Paraben.
• Sodium lauryl sulphate.
• Water.
• Carbopol.

2. Method:

Collection of material

Pomegranate peel powder and Tinospora powder collected from market. Aloe vera were Collected from garden. Almond oil collected from market. Carbopol, methyl paraben, sodium Lauryl sulphate, glycerin, rosewater were procured from laboratory of Shraddha Institute of Pharmacy, Washim.

Formulation table

Table No.1: Formulation table of Face wash

Method of preparation

1. Washing

Rinse raw material under running water to remove dirt or impurities.

2. Drying

All drugs were dried under shade to remove the moisture.

3. Mixing of all ingredients

Step 1: Weighing of ingredients

Accurately weigh all ingredients according to the formulation table.

Step 2: Active Herbal Powders

Take 5 gm of Pomegranate peel powder, 3gm of Tinospora powder and 2ml of Almond oil, mix well all ingredients in water and allow to heat in water bath.

Step 3: Incorporation of Moisturizing Agent

Add 4ml of Aloe vera gel in to the mixture.

Step 4: Addition of Humectant

Add Glycerin (3ml) and stir.

Step 5: Addition of Preservative and Foaming agent

Methyl Paraben (1gm) and Sodium lauryl sulphate (2 gm) is mixed in the above solution.

Step 6: Natural Skin toner

Sufficient quantity of Rose water is added in the mixture and placed for heating.

Step 7: Addition of Gelling agent

Slowly sprinkle 3 gm of Carbopol 940 into the mixture, while stirring continuously to avoid clumps. Mixture is heated and the temperature is not further than 60 ^oC.

Step 8: Allow to soak overnight

The mixture is allowed to soak overnight.

Step 9: Packaging

Transfer the Face wash into sterile, airtight containers.

Step 10: Storage

Store at room temperature or cool place, away from sunlight.

Fig.7 Prepared Face wash

EVALUATION PARAMETERS

The prepared face wash was evaluated for organoleptic Properties, pH, Irritability, Washability, Grittiness, Spreadability, Foamability, Patch test [21,22,23].

1. Organoleptic Properties

• Colour: Visual inspection revealed that the face wash was brown in colour.
• Odour: The smell of formulation was checked by application of preparation on hand and feels the fragrance of perfume.
• Consistency: The consistency of face wash was found to be semi-solid and smooth by visual examination.
• Homogeneity and Texture: A tiny amount of the prepared Face wash was tested by pressing it between the thumb and index finger.

2. pH

A digital pH meter was used to measure the prepared face wash's pH. After rinsing the electrode with purified water, carefully pat it dry. To achieve uniform contact, submerge the pH electrode in the face wash gel and mix gently if needed. Hold off until the pH level stabilizes. It was discovered that the pH ranged from 5.5 to 6.5.

3. Irritability

The preparation was found to be non-irritating when a tiny amount was applied to the dorsa area of the hand and left on for a brief period of time. There is no redness.

4. Washability

This test was performed directly on the skin. The skin was found to be clear and clean after the preparation was applied and it was rinsed with regular water. Lastly, washability was assessed by washing the skin with water after using the herbal face wash.

5. Grittiness

The face wash contained no gritty particles of any kind. The purpose of grittiness testing is to find out if the herbal face wash contains any abrasive particles.

6. Foamability

A portion of the face wash gel was put to the skin in order to measure foamability, and then a little amount of water was added to see if any foam formed. When a small amount of face wash gel was rubbed onto the skin, foam was seen to form.

7. Spreadability

Spreadability has a major impact on the behavior of the gel that emerges from the tube. It is employed to ascertain how spreadable the gel is on the skin. A tiny amount of sample was deposited on a glass slide, which was then supported by a 100 g weight.

One glass slide had a small amount of sample on it, and another slide with 100 g of weight was positioned above it. After measuring the gel's spreading time on the slide, it was found to be 3 cm in 40 seconds. The following formula was used to calculate it:

S = m × l / t

Where, S = Spreadability, M = Weight placed on slide, L = Length of glass, T = Time taken in seconds.

8. Patch test

Patch testing is a tried-and-true technique for both identifying hypersensitivity and figuring out whether a certain item has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction on a patient's skin. In a patch test, a tiny patch of skin is exposed to the substances in diluted form whose precise effects on skin are to be investigated. In a patch test, the formulation's skin reaction is seen in two to three days.

After applying the prepared face wash to the skin and washing it with tap water, it was noted that no patch had developed on the affected area of the skin after two to three days. It demonstrates that using the face wash is safe.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Result

Table No.2: Organoleptic Evaluation

Table No.3: Physiochemical Evaluation