Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Cold Cream

Abstract

The study aims to formulate and evaluate an herbal cold cream using plant-based ingredients to provide a natural, safe, and effective skincare solution. The cream incorporates Azadirachtaindica (Neem), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus), Clerodendrumphlomidis (GorakhLimli) oil, and Prunusamygdalus (Almond) oil. These botanicals were selected for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties. The cream was prepared using the water-in-oil emulsification method and evaluated for parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, microbial load, and stability under different environmental conditions. Results demonstrated that the herbal cold cream was stable, skin-compatible (pH 5.0–6.5), non-irritating, and effective in moisturizing and improving skin texture. This formulation offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to conventional creams, particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Introduction

Cold cream is a traditional, rich emollient cosmetic product primarily used for cleansing, moisturizing, and soothing the skin. It is typically a water-in-oil emulsion made from water, oils (like mineral or almond oil), beeswax, and mild fragrances. Cold cream is especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, providing a cooling effect as the water in the emulsion evaporates and forming an oily barrier to prevent water loss from the skin.

The text highlights the increasing interest in herbal cosmetics, which use natural plant extracts (such as brassia seed, hibiscus, ditoriaternatea, and adansonia) to offer moisturizing and nourishing effects without the side effects commonly associated with synthetic formulations. Herbal cold creams combine the benefits of these plant extracts with the traditional properties of cold cream, including anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial actions.

Benefits of herbal cosmetics include safety, affordability, cultural acceptance, nutritional value, immune system support, and fewer side effects. Herbal cold creams are easy to apply, suitable for many users, and provide effective localized treatment, although they may have limitations like poor absorption of larger drug particles or potential allergic reactions.

Ideal herbal cold creams should have appropriate pH (4.6–6.0), provide a protective waxy layer, deliver a cooling effect, be less greasy than ointments, and remain stable throughout their shelf life.

Cold creams have multiple applications, including makeup removal, acting as a primer for foundations, lip balm, body lotion, and shaving cream. They are valued for their moisturizing properties and versatility.

The text also provides a detailed overview of human skin anatomy and physiology, emphasizing the skin’s role as the largest organ, its protective functions (barrier, immune defense, thermoregulation, fluid retention, vitamin D synthesis, UV protection, sensory interaction), and its layers (epidermis, dermis, and sometimes hypodermis). The epidermis has five layers, each with specific roles, including keratinocyte production, immune functions, and sensory reception. Understanding skin structure is key to appreciating how topical formulations like cold cream affect and aid skin health and healing.

Conclusion

The formulated cold cream incorporating Neem extract, Hibiscus extract, GorakhLimli (Clerodendrumphlomidis) oil, and Almond oil demonstrates a synergistic effect in providing both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. Neem and GorakhLimli contribute potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, aiding in skin healing and acne prevention. Hibiscus offers natural AHAs, promoting gentle exfoliation and enhanced skin brightness. Almond oil serves as a rich emollient, improving skin softness and delivering vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. When blended in a traditional cold cream base, this formulation shows promise for hydrating, soothing, and revitalizing the skin, especially suitable for dry to combination skin types. The combination of Neem extract, Hibiscus extract, GorakhLimli oil, Almond oil, and a cold cream base results in a highly effective herbal cold cream with multiple skin benefits. This formulation offers moisturizing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, and skin-soothing properties, making it ideal for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. With regular use, it can help improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and provide deep hydration, especially during colder months. Proper formulation and preservation ensure product stability and efficacy

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dighe Sanskruti Sahebrao, Sangale Sakshi Shivnath, Magar Manisha Mhasu, Dr. Aher Nitin Balkrishna. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.