Preparation and Characterization of Herbal Lotions

 

Sara Fathima1*, Potharaju Anitha1, Keerthi Birudaraju2

1Vaagdevi Pharmacy College, Bollikunta, Warangal - 506005, Telangana, India.

2Department of Pharmacology, Teegala Krishna Reddy College of Pharmacy, Medbowli, Meerpet, Saroor Nagar, Hyderabad - 500097, Telangana, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: sarafathima2012@gmail.cm

 

ABSTRACT:

Background: As safer and more biocompatible substitutes for synthetic skincare formulas, herbal cosmetics have drawn a lot of interest. Particularly, herbal lotions minimize negative reactions while providing multipurpose advantages like hydration, nourishment, and defense against environmental harm. A herbal lotion comprising Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Rose Water (Rosa damascena), Sandalwood (Santalum album), and Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)—ingredients recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-rejuvenating qualities—is the subject of the current study. Aim: Creating and testing a herbal lotion with specific natural constituents for stability, physicochemical properties, and cosmetic acceptability. Method: Using an oil-in-water base and the emulsification process, a herbal lotion was created. Rose water, green tea extract, and amla extract made up the aqueous phase, while sandalwood oil, lavender essential oil, and emulsifying agents made up the oil phase. As an anti-aging and antioxidant, pomegranate extract was used. Numerous factors, such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, stability, irritancy test, and microbiological load, were assessed for the prepared lotion. Results: The herbal lotion that was created had a pH between 5.2 and 6.8, making it appropriate for skin application. During the stability investigation, it displayed no phase separation, smooth texture, nice smell, and good spreadability. The botanical extracts' polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils worked in concert to provide the lotion its exceptional moisturizing and calming properties. Conclusion: For topical application, the herbal lotion that was created with amla, green tea, pomegranate, rose water, sandalwood, and lavender oil turned out to be stable, secure, and efficient. It may be used as a multipurpose cosmetic preparation for everyday skincare due to its natural composition and antioxidant-rich formulation. Its effectiveness for commercial use can be confirmed by additional dermatological and clinical research.

 

KEYWORDS: Herbal lotion, Amla, Green tea, Sandalwood, Antioxidant.

 

 


INTRODUCTION:

Natural ingredients present in cosmetic products are used in herbal formulation. The herbs' qualities are widely recognized. For instance, aloevera, turmeric, and so forth. The best plants are linked to Ayurveda, which was established by Rishis in India2. The term "cosmetics" actually came from ancient Rome. As the name implies, they were created by "cosmetics," or female slaves. Look is enhanced with cosmetics2. The efficiency of the herbal formulation has been demonstrated by Ayurveda. Minerals and nutrients are added to the body via herbal remedies. With no pollutants, this herbal lotion offers superb skin protection. Liquid concoctions called herbal lotions are applied to the skin to improve its appearance3. Herbal lotions, often known as "herbal cosmetics," are created using approved cosmetic ingredients to deliver certain cosmetic benefits. Herbal lotions use natural herbs and extracts for their aromatic value in cosmetic preparations, leading to increased demand for natural products4.

 

In the global market, herbal cosmetics were highly sought for. To accomplish the aim of beautifying, a wide range of herbal cosmetic products are used in beauty regimens5.

 

Benefits of lotion for skincare2:

1.     Rehydration: They restore moisture to parched skin, making it softer and smoother.

2.     Targeted Treatment: Herbal lotions can be used to treat specific areas of dry or rough skin.

3.     Pleasurable Sensation: They offer a satisfying sensory encounter.

4.     Relaxation: Herbal lotions encourage calm and health.

5.     Skin Softening: They make rough spots on the body, including the knees and elbows, smoother.

6.     Improved Glow: Applying herbal lotions can increase the health and shine of your skin.

 

Ingredients used in herbal lotion are extracts of Amla fruits, Green tea leaves, Pomegranate peel, Rose water, Sandalwood and Lavender oil. The project's objective is to produce a safe, natural, and efficient herbal lotion that enhances skin look while shielding the skin from environmental stress. Given the growing demand from consumers for herbal-based pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, this formulation could be a successful, affordable, and sustainable alternative to artificial skin care products22.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Materials:

Amla extract, green tea extract, pomegranate extract, rose water, sandalwood oil, and lavender oil were procured from a certified Ayurvedic supplier. Stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, glycerin, and triethanolamine were of analytical grade and obtained from SD Fine Chemicals. Below is a plant profile of some of the herbal ingredients used to make herbal lotions6-15.

 

Amla:

Biological source: Dried fruits of Phyllanthus emblica

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Chemical constituents: It is rich in ascorbic acid, ellagic acid, and flavonoids that act as potent antioxidants. It enhances collagen synthesis, improves skin texture, and reduces pigmentation

 

Green tea:

Biological source: Camellia sinensis

Family: Theaceae

Chemical constituents: It is an antioxidant source, contains catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which protects the skin from UV-induced oxidative stress and maintains skin elasticity. It can also be used as anti- inflammatoty, anti-aging, and acne management17.

 

Pomegranate:

Biological source: Punica granatum

Family: Lythraceae

Chemical constituents: It contains ellagic acid, punicalagin, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which are used as antioxidant, anti-aging, and skin-brightening properties.

 

Rose water:

Biological source: Rosa damascena

Family: Rosaceae

Chemical constituents: It is rich in phenethyl alcohol, geraniol, and citronellol, which give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties19.

 

Sandalwood:

Biological source: Santalum album

Family: Santalaceae

Chemical constituents: It contains α- santalol, β – santalol which are sesquiterpene alcohols which give it its distinctive woody aroma. Because of these chemicals' astringent, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities, sandalwood can be used to moisturize, calm, and reduce redness in addition to being a component of scents and skin toners.

 

Lavender oil:

Biological source: Lavandula angustifolia

Family: Lamiaceae

Chemical constituents: It contains primarily linalool and linalyl acetate, which provide its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Other key components like camphor, terpinen-4-ol, and β-ocimene further contribute to its benefits. These properties make it a valuable ingredient in products for soothing skin irritations, promoting healing, and as a fragrance in various personal care items23

 

Table 1: Formulation of herbal lotion

S. No

Ingredients

Quantity (%)

1.                     

Amla

2

2.                     

Green tea

2

3.                     

Pomegranate

2

4.                     

Rose water

20

5.                     

Sandalwood

1

6.                     

Lavender oil

1

7.                     

Stearic acid

3

8.                     

Cetyl alcohol

2

9.                     

Glycerin

5

10.                   

Triethanolamine

1

11.                   

Distilled water

q.s

 

Method of Preparation:

·       Collection and Preparation of Plant Materials

·       Collect dried lavender flowers, pomegranate peels, rose petals, sandalwood chips, fresh amla fruits, and green tea leaves from nearby herbal markets.

·       Following a thorough wash and 7-10 days of shade drying at room temperature, the materials were verified by a botanist.

·       A mechanical grinder was used to ground the dried components into a powder, which was then sealed in airtight containers.

 

EXTRACTION PROCESS:

 

Method of Preparation of Lotion:

·       The lotion was created using the emulsion process (O/W type).

·       The oil phase involved the melting of stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, sandalwood oil, and lavender oil at 70 оC.

·       Aqueous Phase: Rose water, glycerin, and herbal extracts (amla, green tea, and pomegranate) were heated separately to 70оC. 

·       The aqueous phase was gradually added to the oil phase while stirring continuously until uniform mixing was obtained.

·       The mixture was progressively cooled to room temperature while stirring until it reached a creamy lotion consistency18.

 

Evaluation Test:

1. Organoleptic character

2. Homogenicity

3. pH determination

4. Viscosity

5. Stability test 

6. Spredability

7. Irritancy test

8. Washability

 

1. Organoleptic Character:

By external appearance of the lotion we can conclude that it has

Colour – white

Odour  – pleasant

Texture – smooth

 

2. Homogenicity:

To guarantee homogeneity, the formulation was tested both visually and by touch16.

 

3. pH determination:

A digital meter was used to measure the pH after 0.5g of cream was dissolved in 50ml of distilled water20.

 

4. Viscosity:

A 100mL beaker that had been cleaned and dried was filled with roughly 50mL of the herbal lotion sample. Prior to measurement, the material was brought to a temperature of 25±1°C. A level platform was used to set up and power the Brookfield viscometer. The appropriate spindle (No. 63) was installed on the viscometer shaft. To make sure there were no trapped air bubbles, the spindle was inserted vertically into the lotion sample. To provide a constant shear rate, the instrument speed was set to 50rpm. Before recording the viscosity (in centipoises, or cp), the data was allowed to stabilize for one minute12,13.

 

5. Stability Test:

The formulation was put in the middle of a petri dish and cultured for 72hours at 37°C to measure the growth of microorganisms21.

 

6. Spreadability:

To get a uniform thickness, the sample was crushed for five minutes using a 100g weight while sandwiched between two glass slides. The weight of the pan was increased. The time required to separate the two slides, or the time it took for the upper glass slide to cross over the lower slide 12, was used as a gauge of spreadability. It was computed using the formula below:

 

Spreadability = m × l / t

m = Weight tide to upper slide, l = Length moved on the glass slide, t = time taken.

 

7. Irritancy test:

Mark the area (2cm2) on the left hand's dorsal surface. The time was noted after the cream was applied to that spot. It is then monitored for erythema, edema, and irritation for a maximum of 24hours and reported.

 

8. Washability:

After applying lotion to the hand's skin, it was allowed to run under running water for ten minutes. It was noted when the lotion was completely eliminated.

 

Table 2 Evaluation of herbal lotion:

S. No

Evaluation parameter

Observation

1

Appearance

Lotion type

2

Colour

White

3

Odour

Pleasant

4

pH determination

5.8

5

Viscosity (cp)

4100

6

Stability test

Stable

7

Spreadability (g.cm/sec)

18.4

8

Irritancy test

Non irritant

9

Washability

Easily Washable

 

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

The herbal lotion was successfully created with natural substances known for their antioxidant, hydrating, and antibacterial characteristics. The created lotion seemed smooth, creamy, and white in color, with a pleasant scent from sandalwood and lavender oils. There were no evidence of phase separation, grittiness, or creaming, which indicated appropriate emulsification and stability.

 

The herbal lotion's pH ranged from 5.6±0.2 to 6.0±0.3, which is within the skin-friendly range (4.5–6.5). A pH similar to that of human skin reduces irritation and promotes skin barrier function. The optimized formulation has a viscosity of 4100±50 cp at 25°C, measured using a Brookfield viscometer (Spindle No. 63, 50rpm). It suggests a moderate thickness that is appropriate for smooth application and long-term skin adhesion.

 

The spreadability was tested at 18.4g.cm/sec, indicating easy and uniform distribution over the skin surface without stickiness. A balanced viscosity-spreadability relationship is critical to providing uniform dosing and user satisfaction. The antibacterial properties of lavender and sandalwood oils may have contributed to the stability and preservation of the emulsion system. The mixture can preserve itself because the essential oils and plant extracts have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

 

CONCLUSION:

The current study successfully developed and tested a herbal lotion including Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Rose Water (Rosa damascena), Sandalwood (Santalum album), and Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia). The formulation has favorable physicochemical features, including pH (5.8±0.2), viscosity (4100±50cp), and spreadability (18.4 g·cm/sec), making it suitable for topical application.

 

The lotion remained stable with no phase separation, color change, or microbiological contamination. The study demonstrated high user approval due to its attractive aroma, smooth texture, and non-greasy nature. The incorporation of natural extracts high in polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils contributed to antioxidant, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties, making it a multipurpose skincare product.

 

Further research, such as in-vitro antioxidant assays, skin irritation tests, and accelerated stability studies, is recommended to increase its medicinal potential and commercial viability.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The facilities and assistance required for the formulation and evaluation of the herbal lotion were provided by Vaagdevi Pharmacy College, for which the authors are very grateful.

 

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Received on 21.10.2025      Revised on 12.01.2026

Accepted on 10.03.2026      Published on 06.07.2026

Available online from July 20, 2026

Asian J. Pharm. Res. 2026; 16(3):257-261.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5691.2026.00038

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