Aim: To prepare, evaluate and submit herbal fairness cream.
Requirements: Soxhlet extractor, Beakers, Heater, Water bath, Suitable container, Petroleum ether, and Ethanol (70%).
Chemicals: Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Almond oil, Glycerol, Methylparaben, Triethanolamine, Water, leurotus ostreatus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Camellia sinensis.
Formulation Consideration: Fairness cream has emerged in the last 50 years to improve complexion. Fairness is considered equal to attractiveness. Melanin is one of the reasons for dark complexion. Melanin is a primary determinant of “melanocytes” that are located in the epidermis. The increased production of melanin in human skin is called “melanogenesis”. Fairness cream blocks sun rays and prevents the secretion of melanin, which gives a dark color to the skin.
Extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Camellia sinensis in different concentrations along with almond oil were selected for the preparation of herbal cream. These plant materials are containing polyphenol organic substance which imparts potent antioxidant activity. The antioxidant substance scavenges the reactive oxygen species and inhibits the production of melanin in the human skin. Moreover, it also absorbs UV rays and prevents the formation of free radicals in the skin. This can also monitor the production of melanin in the human skin. The herbal fairness cream is intended for cosmeceutical use rather than as other cosmetics. These studies suggest that herbal fairness creams are more stable and also it may produce synergistic action.
Formula:
| Sr.No | Ingredients | Quantity Given % w/w | Quantity Taken |
| 1 | Stearic acid | 11 | |
| 2 | Cetyl alcohol | 4 | |
| 3 | Almond oil | 4 | |
| 4 | Glycerol | 3 | |
| 5 | Methyl paraban | 0.02 | |
| 6 | Triethanolamine | q.s | |
| 7 | Water | q.s to 100 | |
| 8 | Hydroalcoholic extract of P. ostreatus | 1 | |
| 9 | Hydroalcoholic extract of G. glabra | 1.5 | |
| 10 | Hydroalcoholic extract of C. sinensis | 0.5 |
Procedure:
Preparation of Extracts: Extract, Air-dry and coarse powder (500 gm) of Pleurotus ostreatus, Glycyrrhiza glabra root, and Camellia sinensis flowers in soxhlet extractor separately, using petroleum ether and then successively with ethanol (70%). Dry and concentrate the extracts under reduced pressure and controlled temperature, respectively, and preserve them in a refrigerator.
Preparation of Cream Base: Formulate O/W emulsion-based cream (semisolid formulation). Take stearic acid Cetyl alcohol, and almond oil in a beaker (Part A) and heat to 75°C. Add Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Propylene glycol, and water in another beaker (Part B) and heat to 75°C. Add the aqueous phase in portions to the oil phase, in a hot condition, with continuous stirring until the cooling.
Herbal Cream Formulation: Add the measured quantity of herbal extracts to the base to form smooth uniform consistency and pack in a labeled container.
Label: For external use only.
Storage: Store in a cool dry place.
Packaging: In a wide-mouth glass bottle.
Use: It reduces dark spots and blemishes and instantly brightens skin.
Directions: Take a small quantity on the palm and gently apply it onto the face and neck in a circular motion till absorbed.
Evaluation Table:
| Sr.No | Test | Observations |
| 1 | Appearance | |
| 2 | pH | |
| 3 | Viscosity | |
| 4 | Dye test | |
| 5 | Spreadability | |
| 6 | Homogeneity | |
| 7 | After feel | |
| 8 | Removal |
Make sure you also check our other amazing Article on : How to Make Herbal Moisturizer?