Afroj Ansar Pathan*
Vishakha B. Kasbe
Sampat D. Navale
Cosmetics are products used to clean, protect, and enhance the appearance of the skin. Among different cosmetic products, creams are widely used topical preparations because they are simple to apply, spread easily, and help in protecting and nourishing the skin. Creams are semisolid emulsions made of oil and water phases, and they are commonly used for moisturizing, cleansing, and skin protection. Based on the type of emulsion, creams are mainly divided into oil-in-water (o/w) creams and water-in-oil (w/o) creams.
Vanishing cream is a well-known oil-in-water cream that gets absorbed quickly after application without leaving an oily layer on the skin. It gives a soft, smooth, and matte look, which makes it suitable for everyday use, especially for normal to oily skin. Vanishing cream usually contains stearic acid, alkali, water, and humectants. After application, the water evaporates and a thin layer of stearic acid remains on the skin, giving a smooth feeling and protective effect.
Nowadays, herbal cosmetics are becoming more popular because they are considered safer and gentler on the skin than synthetic products. Natural ingredients provide benefits such as moisturizing, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant actions. One important herbal ingredient is Aloe vera. It is obtained from the leaves of Aloe barbadensis Miller and has been used for many years in skin care and medicinal products. Aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and polysaccharides that help moisturize the skin, reduce irritation, support wound healing, and prevent dryness.
Adding Aloe vera to vanishing cream can increase both the cosmetic and therapeutic value of the product by giving hydration and soothing effects along with a non-greasy texture. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to prepare and evaluate vanishing cream containing Aloe vera as the active ingredient. The prepared cream is tested for parameters such as appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, washability, phase separation, and skin irritation to confirm its quality, stability, and suitability for skin application.
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
A. Primary Objective
To prepare vanishing cream containing Aloe vera as the active ingredient.
B. Quality Evaluation
To evaluate the prepared cream for physical and chemical parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, and homogeneity.
C. Stability Study
To determine the stability of the formulation during storage under different conditions.
D. Skin Compatibility
To check the safety and skin friendliness of the cream by irritancy test.
E. Herbal Benefits
To study the moisturizing and soothing effect of Aloe vera in vanishing cream.
F. Product Acceptability
To develop a smooth, non-greasy, and pleasant cosmetic cream suitable for daily use.
LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Overview of Vanishing Cream
Vanishing cream is a widely used cosmetic preparation made as an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion. It is popular because of its smooth texture, non-oily feel, and fast absorption after application. It forms a thin protective layer on the skin and is mainly suitable for normal to oily skin. Common ingredients used in vanishing cream include stearic acid, alkali, water, and humectants. The quality of vanishing cream is generally checked by tests such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, and stability.
B. Importance of Herbal Cosmetics
Nowadays, herbal cosmetics are becoming more popular as they are considered safer, environmentally friendly, and more suitable for the skin than synthetic products. Natural ingredients are commonly used in creams, lotions, gels, and face packs because of their moisturizing, antioxidant, and soothing effects. Consumers prefer herbal products as they usually produce fewer side effects when properly prepared.
C. Aloe Vera as Active Ingredient
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is one of the most valuable medicinal plants used in cosmetic products. The gel extracted from its leaves contains water, polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and minerals. Aloe vera is known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Due to these benefits, it is widely used in skin creams, sunscreens, lotions, and gels.
D. Aloe Vera in Topical Cream Formulations
Many studies have shown that Aloe vera can be effectively added to cream formulations. Aloe vera creams have shown good spreadability, suitable pH, smooth texture, and good stability during storage. Research also suggests that Aloe vera creams help in moisturizing the skin, reducing irritation, and preventing dryness.
E. Evaluation Parameters of Vanishing Cream
For quality assessment, vanishing cream is tested by various physicochemical parameters such as colour, odour, appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, homogeneity, phase separation, and skin irritation. A cream having proper pH, good consistency, and no phase separation is considered stable and safe for skin use.
F. Need for Present Study
Although Aloe vera is commonly used in cosmetic products, its performance depends on the correct formulation and stability of the cream base. Therefore, the present study was carried out to prepare and evaluate vanishing cream containing Aloe vera as an active ingredient in order to obtain a stable, smooth, non-greasy, and skin-friendly herbal cosmetic preparation.
DRUG PROFILE
A. Aloe Vera
Biological Name: Aloe barbadensis Miller
Family:- Liliaceae
Common Name: Aloe vera, Ghritkumari
Part Used: Fresh leaves (leaf gel and latex)
Chemical Constituents: Polysaccharides, vitamins (A, C, E), minerals, amino acids, enzymes, anthraquinones, and lignin.
Uses: Aloe vera is widely used for moisturizing the skin, reducing inflammation, healing wounds, soothing burns, and protecting against dryness.
Pharmacological Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, and moisturizing properties.
Dose/Form Used in Cosmetics: Aloe vera gel is commonly incorporated in creams, lotions, gels, and face packs in suitable concentration.
Storage: Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
B. Stearic Acid
Name:- Stearic Acid
Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₃₆O₂
Category: Fatty acid / Emulsifying agent / Thickening agent
Description:
Stearic acid is a white, waxy solid fatty acid commonly obtained from animal fats and vegetable oils. It is widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations.
Role in Vanishing Cream:
Stearic acid is the main base ingredient of vanishing cream. It reacts with alkali (such as potassium hydroxide) to form soap, which acts as an emulsifying agent and helps in forming a stable oil-in-water cream. It also provides thickness, smooth texture, and protective effect to the cream.
Uses:
- Emulsifying agent
- Thickening agent
- Stabilizer
- Improves texture of cream
Benefits in Vanishing Cream:
It gives a soft feel, smooth consistency, easy spreadability, and non-greasy finish to the cream.
C. Potassium Hydroxide
Name :- Potassium Hydroxide
Chemical Formula:-KOH
Category: Alkali / Neutralizing agent
Description:
Potassium hydroxide is a white, odorless, hygroscopic solid that is highly soluble in water. It is a strong alkaline substance commonly used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
Role in Vanishing Cream:
Potassium hydroxide is used to neutralize stearic acid and form potassium stearate, which acts as a soap-based emulsifying agent. It helps in the formation of a stable oil-in-water emulsion and gives smooth texture to the cream.
Uses:
- Neutralizing agent
- Emulsifying aid
- pH adjuster
Storage:
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool and dry place, protected from moisture.
D. Glycerine
Name: Glycerine (Glycerol)
Category: Humectant / Moisturizing agent
Chemical Formula: C₃H₈O₃
Appearance: Clear, colourless, odorless, sweet viscous liquid Solubility: Miscible with water and alcohol
Role in Vanishing Cream:
Glycerine is used as a humectant in vanishing cream. It helps to retain moisture in the skin, prevents dryness, and keeps the cream soft and smooth. It also improves the spreadability and texture of the cream.
Uses:
- Skin moisturizer
- Softening agent
- Prevents cracking of cream
- Enhances smoothness of formulation
Storage:
Store in a well-closed container at room temperature.
E. Methyl Paraben
Name: Methyl Paraben
Category: Preservative
Chemical Formula: C₈H₈O₃
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol
Role in Vanishing Cream:
Methyl paraben is used as a preservative in vanishing cream to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. It helps to increase the shelf life and stability of the cream.
Uses:
- Prevents microbial contamination
- Maintains product quality
- Improves storage stability
Concentration Used
Usually 0.1% to 0.3% in cosmetic creams.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and sunlight.
FORMULA FOR 100GM ALOE VERA VANISHING CREAM
|
Ingredient |
Function |
Quantity (for 100g) |
|
Stearic Acid |
Base and Emulsifying Agent |
15.0g |
|
Potassium Hydroxide |
Neutralizing Agent |
0.5g |
|
Glycerine |
Humectant/ Moisturizer |
5.0g |
|
Aloe Vera Extract |
Skin Soothing Agent |
10g |
|
Methyl Paraben |
Preservative |
0.2g |
|
Perfume |
Fragrance |
q.s |
|
Purified Water |
Vehicle/ Solvent |
q.s to 100g |
INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED
|
Sr.no |
Instrument/Apparatus |
Uses |
|
1 |
Electronic Weighing Balance |
Accurate weighing of ingredients |
|
2 |
Beaker |
Mixing and heating of ingredients |
|
3 |
Measuring Cylinder |
Measuring liquids |
|
4 |
Glass Rod |
Stirring the formulation |
|
5 |
Hot Plate / Water Bath |
Heating oil and water phases |
|
6 |
Thermometer |
Measuring temperature during preparation |
|
7 |
Mortar and Pestle |
Triturating / mixing ingredients |
|
8 |
Spatula |
Transferring and mixing cream |
|
9 |
Homogenizer / Mechanical Stirrer |
Uniform mixing of cream |
|
10 |
pH Meter |
Measurement of pH |
|
11 |
Brookfield Viscometer |
Measurement of viscosity |
|
12 |
Glass Slide / Wooden Block Apparatus |
Spreadability test |
|
13 |
Centrifuge |
Phase separation test |
|
14 |
Cream Jars |
Packaging of final Product |
METHOD OF PREPARATION
Procedure
Step 1: Weighing of Ingredients
Accurately weigh all the ingredients using an electronic weighing balance according to the formula.
Step 2: Preparation of Oil Phase
Take stearic acid in a clean beaker and heat on a water bath at 70–75°C until completely melted.
Step 3: Preparation of Aqueous Phase
In another beaker, dissolve potassium hydroxide, glycerin, and methyl paraben in purified water. Heat this mixture to 70–75°C.
Step 4: Emulsification
Slowly add the hot aqueous phase into the melted oil phase with continuous stirring using a glass rod or mechanical stirrer.
Step 5: Formation of Cream Base
Continue stirring until a smooth and uniform oil-in-water emulsion is formed.
Step 6: Cooling
Allow the emulsion to cool gradually while stirring continuously to maintain smooth consistency.
Step 7: Addition of Active Ingredient
When the temperature reaches around 40°C, add Aloe vera gel slowly and mix properly.
Step 8: Addition of Perfume
Add lavender perfume in sufficient quantity and stir well.
Step 9: Final Packing
Transfer the prepared vanishing cream into clean, dry containers or collapsible tubes and close tightly.
FINAL PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
Smooth and homogeneous
- White in colour
- Non-greasy
- Easily spreadable
- Pleasant in fragrance
- Stable during storage
EVALUATION PARAMETER
- Organoleptic Evaluation
The cream is checked visually for:
- Colour
- Odour
- Appearance
- Texture
- Consistency
Expected Result: Smooth white cream with pleasant smell.
- pH Test
The pH is measured by mixing a small amount of cream with distilled water and checking with a pH meter.
Ideal Range: 6.0 – 7.0 (suitable for skin)
- Homogeneity
A small quantity of cream is rubbed between fingers or spread on a glass slide.
Expected Result: Uniform cream without lumps or rough particles.
- Viscosity
Viscosity is measured using a Brookfield viscometer to check thickness and flow.
Expected Result: Proper thickness for easy use.
- Spreadability
Spreadability is checked by placing cream between two glass slides and applying weight.
Expected Result: Cream spreads easily.
- Washability
The cream is applied on skin and washed with water.
Expected Result: Easily washable without sticky feeling.
- Greasiness Test
Cream is applied on skin and checked for oily layer.
Expected Result: Non-greasy cream.
- Phase Separation
The cream is stored for some time and observed for separation of oil and water layers.
Expected Result: No phase separation.
- Irritancy Test
A small amount of cream is applied on skin and checked for redness, itching, or irritation.
Expected Result: No irritation.
- Stability Study
The cream is stored at room temperature and high temperature for a few weeks. Changes are checked in:
- Colour
- Odour
- pH
- Texture
- Phase separation
Expected Result: Cream remains stable.
ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS
Advantages
- Gives good moisturizing and soothing effect to the skin.
- Aloe vera helps reduce dryness and irritation.
- Non-greasy cream with easy spreading property.
- Suitable for daily use and normal to oily skin.
- Herbal formulation with better consumer acceptance.
- Simple and economical to prepare.
Limitations
- Aloe vera may degrade if not stored properly.
- Requires preservatives to prevent microbial growth.
- Shorter shelf life than some synthetic products.
- Possibility of skin sensitivity in some individuals.
- Stability may be affected by temperature changes.
RESULT AND OBSERVATION TABLE
|
Sr.no |
Parameter |
Observation Table |
|
1 |
Colour |
White to off-white |
|
2 |
Odour |
Pleasant lavender smell |
|
3 |
Appearance |
Smooth and attractive |
|
4 |
Texture |
Soft and uniform |
|
5 |
Homogeneity |
No lumps, even mixture |
|
6 |
pH |
6.0 – 7.0 |
|
7 |
Spreadability |
Good and easy to spread |
|
8 |
Greasiness |
Non-greasy |
|
9 |
Washability |
Easily washable |
|
10 |
Phase Separation |
Not observed |
|
11 |
Skin Irritation |
No irritation |
|
12 |
Stability |
Stable during storage |
DISCUSSION
The Aloe vera vanishing cream was successfully prepared by using the oil-in-water emulsion method. The cream showed smooth texture, good homogeneity, and pleasant fragrance. It spread easily on the skin without leaving a greasy layer. The pH was found to be suitable for skin application, indicating good compatibility. No phase separation or cracking was observed during storage, which shows good stability. Aloe vera improved the moisturizing and soothing properties of the cream. Thus, the prepared formulation was stable, skin-friendly, and suitable for daily use
CONCLUSION
The Aloe vera vanishing cream was successfully prepared and evaluated. The formulation showed smooth texture, good spreadability, suitable pH, and no irritation on skin. It was stable, non-greasy, and pleasant to use. Hence, Aloe vera vanishing cream can be considered an effective and safe herbal cosmetic product for daily skin care.
FUTURE SCOPE
- Development of Advanced Herbal Formulations
In the future, Aloe vera vanishing cream can be improved by combining it with other herbal ingredients such as turmeric, neem, cucumber, or rose extract to enhance skin benefits.
- Use in Different Skin Types
Further studies can be carried out to prepare separate formulations for dry, oily, sensitive, and combination skin types according to individual needs.
- Stability and Shelf-Life Improvement
Future research can focus on increasing the stability and storage life of the cream by using suitable natural preservatives and better packaging materials.
- Clinical and Dermatological Studies
More clinical trials and dermatological testing can be performed to confirm the safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits of Aloe vera vanishing cream.
- Commercial Production
The formulation can be developed on a large scale for commercial manufacturing as an affordable herbal cosmetic product.
- Addition of Functional Benefits
In future, extra benefits such as sunscreen effect, anti-aging action, skin whitening, or anti-acne properties can be added to the formulation.
- Eco-Friendly and Natural Products
As demand for herbal and eco-friendly cosmetics is increasing, Aloe vera vanishing cream has good potential in the natural cosmetic market.
- Research on Novel Delivery Systems
Advanced technologies like nanoemulsions, gel creams, or controlled release systems can be explored to improve penetration and performance of the cream.
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10.5281/zenodo.20080726