Seacom Skills University, Kendradangal, Bolpur, West Bengal, 731236, India
The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of a natural herbal shampoo formulation using six well-known plant-based ingredients like amla (Emblica officinalis), ritha (Sapindus mukorossi), shikakai (Acacia concinna), guava leaf (Psidium guajava), lemon (Citrus limon), and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis). These ingredients were chosen based on their traditional use and scientifically established benefits in hair care, including cleansing, conditioning, antimicrobial action, and scalp nourishment. The objective was to create a shampoo that not only cleanses the hair and scalp effectively but also supports hair growth, reduces dandruff, prevents dryness, and enhances hair texture without the use of synthetic surfactants, parabens, or artificial fragrances. The herbal shampoo was prepared using aqueous extraction and cold blending techniques to retain the bioactivity of all components. It was then subjected to extensive physicochemical and biological evaluation, including tests for pH, foam stability, surface tension, dirt dispersion, solid content, detergency, and microbial inhibition. The results demonstrated that the shampoo had a near-neutral pH, good foaming capacity, effective dirt dispersion due to the inclusion of guava leaf and lemon. The formulation of herbal shampoo indicates a safe, eco-friendly, and effective. It also aligns with the increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable personal care products.
In the modern era, personal grooming and cleanliness have become crucial facets of everyday living, with hair care being a particularly major concern. Shampoo is one of the most important hair care products. [1] Traditionally, shampoos are defined as cleansing formulations designed to remove dirt, oil, environmental pollutants, and microbial load from the scalp and hair. [2] However, the commercial shampoo industry has predominantly relied on synthetic detergents, preservatives, and fragrances. While these synthetic products offer instant cleansing, they often lead to adverse effects such as scalp irritation, hair dryness, follicular damage, and allergic reactions over long-term use. [3] This increasing awareness of the harmful effects of synthetic cosmetic products has fuelled a global trend toward natural and herbal alternatives. Consumers today seek products that not only fulfil cosmetic functions but also support holistic well-being. [4] Herbal shampoos are emerging as a safe and effective substitute. Herbal shampoos are typically made using plant-derived ingredients that provide mild cleansing while nourishing the scalp and promoting hair health. [5] The Indian subcontinent has a rich heritage in the use of herbal formulations for personal care. Herbs like amla (Emblica officinalis), ritha (Sapindus mukorossi), and shikakai (Acacia concinna) have been traditionally used as natural hair cleansers and conditioners. [6] These ingredients not only clean the scalp but also strengthen hair roots, prevent dandruff, and promote shine. Recent innovations have expanded herbal formulations to include ingredients like guava leaf (Psidium guajava) for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, lemon (Citrus limon) for its astringent and pH-balancing effects, and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) for its soothing, moisturizing, and regenerative capabilities.[7] Despite their proven advantages, herbal shampoos face challenges in market acceptance primarily due to consumer expectations shaped by synthetic products-such as excessive foaming and bright colouring-which are often misinterpreted as signs of superior cleansing power. Nevertheless, the move toward sustainability, safety, and organic living has created a favourable environment for herbal cosmetics to grow and thrive.[8] In this, the present study is aimed at the formulation and comprehensive evaluation of herbal shampoo using a synergistic blend of amla, ritha, shikakai, guava leaf, lemon, and aloe vera.[9] The goal is to develop a product that provides effective cleansing, imparts shine and softness to hair, maintains scalp health, and eliminates the use of harmful synthetic additives. This research emphasizes scientific evaluation alongside traditional knowledge to validate the effectiveness and quality of the herbal formulation.
MATERIALS & METHODS:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Distilled water, Amla, Ritha Shikakai, Guava, Leaf, Lemon and Aloe Vera were collected from the chemical store of School of Pharmacy, Seacom Skills University, Birbhum, West Bengal, India.
a. Preparation of Retha extract
It is prepared by cold maceration method. 10 gm of Ritha powder in 70% ethyl alcohol (30mL) then filter it using filter-paper. [10]
b. Preparation of Amla extract
10 gm of Amla powder in 50 ml water and boil it using hot water bath and then filter it using filter-paper. [11]
c. Preparation of Shikakai extract
10 gm of Shikakai powder boiled in 50 ml water using hot water bath cool it at room temperature and then filter it using filter-paper. [12]
d. Preparation of Aloe vera extract
Fresh aloe vera leaves were washed, and the gel was scooped out and blended. The gel was filtered through muslin cloth to obtain a clear extract and used immediately. [13]
e. Preparation of Guava extract
10 gm of dried guava leaf powder was added to 50 mL of distilled water and boiled using a hot water bath for 20 minutes. The mixture was then filtered using filter-paper to obtain the extract. [14]
f. Preparation of Lemon Extract
Fresh lemon juice was manually extracted from ripe lemons and squeeze it and filter it using filter-paper. 5 mL of filtered juice was used directly in the formulation as a natural pH adjuster and antimicrobial agent. [15]
g. Preparation of the Herbal Shampoo
Amla, Ritha, Shikakai, Guava leaf, Lemon juice and Aloe vera gel herbal extracts were measured and mixed in a clean beaker. Then, 10 gm of sodium lauryl sulfate, 1 gm of methyl paraben, 1 gm of propyl paraben and 2-3 drop of rose water were added in this mixture. After that, the mixture was blended thoroughly using a mortar and pestle until a uniform, homogenous paste was obtained. This manual mixing ensures even dispersion of both herbal and chemical components without heat. Then transferred the blended mixture into a 100 mL measuring cylinder and final volume up to 100 ml. Then, the final herbal shampoo formulation was stored in a sterile, amber-coloured bottle at room temperature for further evaluation. [10, 16]
EVALUATION TESTS:
a. pH Determination
The pH was measured using a calibrated digital pH meter by diluting 1 ml of shampoo in 9 ml of distilled water. [17]
b. Foam Ability Test
5 mL of shampoo was added to a 50 ml measuring cylinder with 25 mL distilled water. Then, the cylinder was stoppered and shaken 10 times vertically and foam height was measured immediately (Figure 1). [17]
Figure 1: Foam ability test
c. Foaming Index Test
Prepare a 1% shampoo solution and take 10 ml of this solution into 5 test tubes. Shake each test tube 10 times vertically then measure foam height immediately and after 5 minutes using a ruler. [18]
d. Solid Content Determination
4 ml of shampoo was weighed and placed in a pre-weighed evaporating dish and heat on a hot plate until completely dry. Then, measured the weight of residue (Figure 2).[18]
Figure 2: Solid Content Determination
e. Dirt Dispersion Test
2 drops of shampoo and 1 drop of India ink were added to 10 mL of distilled water in a test tube. The tube was stoppered and shaken 10 times. The location of ink dispersion was observed (Figure 3).[18]
Figure 3: Dirt Dispersion Test
f. Foam Persistence
Prepare a 1% shampoo solution then pour 10 ml of this solution into each of the 5 test tubes. Close each test tube with a stopper or cover with parafilm. Shake each test tube 10 times vigorously and measure the height of foam in each tube. Allow the tubes to stand undisturbed for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, measure the remaining foam height and record the data (Figure 3).[19]
Figure 4: Foam Persistence Test
g. Odour test
Observe the odour of the soap.
h. Color test
Observe the color of the soap.
RESULTS:
Evaluation parameter and outcome result
|
Parameter |
Result |
Interpretation |
|
pH |
6.2 |
Ideal for scalp (4.5-6.5) |
|
Foam Height |
45 mL |
Good foaming ability |
|
Foaming Index |
45 mm |
Excellent foam stability |
|
Solid Content |
8.2% |
Within acceptable range (6-12%) |
|
Dirt Dispersion |
No ink in foam |
Effective cleansing without redeposition |
|
Foam Persistence |
Confirmed |
Supports natural cleansing action |
|
Odour |
Herbal with floral note |
Pleasant and non-irritating |
|
Color |
Light brown, stable |
Aesthetically acceptable |
CONCLUSION:
The present study successfully formulated and evaluated a herbal shampoo using a synergistic combination of six traditional plant-based ingredients: amla, ritha, shikakai, guava leaf, lemon, and aloe vera. These were selected for their proven benefits in hair care, such as cleansing, conditioning, antimicrobial action, and scalp nourishment. To enhance functionality and stability, controlled quantities of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), methyl paraben, and propyl paraben were incorporated along with a few drops of rose water for fragrance. The shampoo was prepared using simple, cost-effective methods, including aqueous extraction, ensuring minimal degradation of bioactive constituents. Comprehensive evaluation tests demonstrated that the formulation possessed desirable properties including pleasant appearance, acceptable pH, good foaming capacity, fast wetting time, efficient dirt dispersion and stability of foam and solids content. The presence of natural saponins and essential phytoconstituents contributed to the effectiveness of the product. Overall, the findings validate that this herbal shampoo is not only effective as a natural cleanser but also safe, gentle, and environmentally friendly. It combines the wisdom of traditional ayurvedic knowledge with modern formulation practices to offer a viable alternative to synthetic shampoos. Its non-toxic nature and promising results, this shampoo has significant potential for commercial production and further development into value-added herbal cosmetic products.
REFERENCE
Souvik Singha, MD Asif Iqbal, Dipa Ganguly, Sourav Bhowmick*, Ranabir Chanda, Preparation and Evolution of Herbal Anti-Fungal Shampoo, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (12), 241-246. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17952135
10.5281/zenodo.17952135
