Preparation and Evaluation of Herbal Hand Sanitizer Using Tulsi, Lemon, and Aloe Vera Extracts

Abstract

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate herbal hand sanitizer gels incorporating Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Aloe vera, and Citrus limon (Lemon) extracts as natural antimicrobial agents. Five formulations F1–F5 were made by using carbopol as a gelling agent and glycerine as a humectant. The gels developed were tested for organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability, antimicrobial properties, stability, and skin irritation. All the formulations displayed desirable physical properties, with F3 and F5 possessing better color, fragrance, and texture. pH values (6.2–6.9) fell in the skin-friendly range. Spreadability and viscosity tests indicated that F3 and F5 had an ideal balance for ease of application. Antimicrobial testing showed that these formulations possessed extensive inhibitory zones against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, equivalent to commercial alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Stability tests for more than 90 days showed negligible colour, odor, and pH changes, which attested to formulation stability. There was no irritation in the patch test, reflecting skin safety. F3 and F5 were the most effective, stable, and user-acceptable herbal hand sanitizers overall. The research adds credence to alcohol-free, plant-derived sanitizers as safe, effective, and efficient tools for keeping hands clean.

Introduction

The study focuses on developing and evaluating herbal hand sanitizer formulations as safer, skin-friendly alternatives to conventional alcohol-based sanitizers, which can cause dryness, irritation, and environmental concerns. Extracts from Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Lemon (Citrus limon), and Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) were chosen for their antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties.

Materials and Methods:

• Plant materials were collected, processed, and extracted using aqueous, ethanolic, and steam-distillation methods.

• Gel-based sanitizers were formulated with ethanol, glycerin, Carbopol 940, triethanolamine, and distilled water.

• Formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, antimicrobial activity, stability under different storage conditions, and skin irritation.

Results:

• Organoleptic evaluation: F3 and F5 (balanced herbal-citrus formulations) had optimal color, aroma, texture, and consumer acceptability.

• pH: All formulations were within a skin-friendly range (6.2–6.9).

• Viscosity & Spreadability: F3 and F5 showed good consistency and easy application.

• Antimicrobial activity: F3 and F5 demonstrated strong inhibition against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, comparable to standard alcohol-based sanitizers.

• Stability: F3 and F5 remained stable under normal and accelerated conditions for 90 days.

• Skin safety: Patch tests showed no irritation, confirming dermatological safety.

Conclusion

The study successfully formulated and evaluated herbal hand sanitizer gels using extracts of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Citrus limon (Lemon), and Aloe vera. All formulations showed satisfactory physical and antimicrobial properties, with pH values suitable for skin application. Among the tested batches, formulations F3 and F5 exhibited optimal viscosity, good spreadability, appealing sensory characteristics, and strong antimicrobial activity comparable to standard alcohol-based sanitizers. Stability testing confirmed that these formulations remained physically and chemically stable under various storage conditions for 90 days, and skin irritation studies verified their safety for topical use.The results demonstrate that combining Tulsi, Lemon, and Aloe vera extracts provides a synergistic effect, producing an effective, safe, and eco-friendly hand sanitizer formulation. This research highlights the potential of herbal sanitizers as viable, skin-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic products, supporting the broader move toward sustainable and natural healthcare solutions.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Nancy Raj, Karan Adlak, Kalpesh Gawhad, Kapil Kushwah, Jaichand Chauhan, Jyoti Patel, Karan Singh, Dr. Jagdish C Rathi. 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.