Review on Semisolid Herbal Hair Gel

Abstract

Safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly herbal formulas have been developed in response to the growing demand for natural and chemical-free hair care products. Using medicinal plants including aloe vera, amla, bhringraj, neem, and hibiscus—all of which are renowned for their therapeutic effects in hair nourishing and scalp health—this study focusses on the creation and assessment of a semisolid herbal hair gel. Glycerin was used to moisturize the gel, triethanolamine was used to alter the pH, and Carbopol 940 was used as a gelling agent. Physical characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability, stability, and antibacterial activity were assessed for the produced product. The findings demonstrated that the herbal hair gel has favorable qualities such smooth texture, easy washability, non-greasiness, and outstanding stability. The formula encourages the use of herbal and Ayurvedic cosmetics and provides a viable substitute for synthetic hair gels.

Introduction

I. Background

• Hair is integral to personal appearance and grooming traditions.

• Traditional remedies used herbal ingredients to combat hair issues like dandruff, hair loss, and scalp infections.

• Growing demand for chemical-free, eco-friendly alternatives has fueled interest in herbal hair gels.

• Conventional hair gels often contain synthetic ingredients causing scalp irritation and hair damage over time.

• Herbal gels combine styling, nourishment, and therapeutic benefits with natural ingredients.

???? II. Importance of Herbal Ingredients

Widely used herbs in herbal gels include:

These herbs nourish the scalp, improve hair texture, and protect from environmental stress.

???? III. Why Herbal Hair Gels Are Needed

Modern lifestyles introduce hair stressors like:

• Pollution, stress, unhealthy diets, and chemical treatments.

• Chemical-laden products (silicones, sulfates, parabens) linked to allergies and even hormonal disruption.

Herbal Gels Offer:

1. Safety – Natural ingredients are gentler on skin/scalp.

2. Sustainability – Eco-friendly, biodegradable.

3. Multifunctionality – Serve as conditioners, scalp tonics, and styling agents.

4. High Market Demand – Natural cosmetics are rapidly growing in popularity.

???? IV. Advantages of Semisolid Formulations

Semisolid herbal gels (between liquid and solid) provide:

• Easy application and good retention.

• Gradual release of active ingredients.

• Longer shelf life and stability.

• Appealing texture and fragrance.

?? V. Formulation Approach

Key formulation components:

• Gelling Agents: Carbopol, xanthan gum, guar gum for consistency.

• pH Adjusters: Citric acid, triethanolamine for scalp-friendly pH.

• Preservatives: Sodium benzoate, essential oils for microbial safety.

• Moisturizers: Glycerin, aloe vera.

• Herbal Extracts: Derived via decoction or maceration based on plant properties.

???? VI. Evaluation Parameters

Tests to ensure product quality include:

• Physical tests: Color, consistency, pH, and viscosity.

• Spreadability: Ease of application.

• Washability: Residue removal post-application.

• Microbial stability: Ensures safety from contamination.

• Hair conditioning: Measures softness, shine, and manageability.

• Stability studies: Check product integrity over time and under various storage conditions.

???? VII. Recent Advances

New technologies enhancing herbal gel performance:

• Liposomes & Nanoemulsions: Improve absorption of herbal actives.

• Hydrogel systems: Boost moisture and controlled ingredient release.

• Green formulation techniques: Eco-conscious production.

• 3D follicle targeting: Delivers nutrients deeper into hair roots.

???? VIII. Final Herbal Gel Formulation

Key Ingredients:

• Amla, Bhringraj, Hibiscus, Neem, Aloe vera (active herbs)

• Carbopol 940 (gel base), glycerin (moisturizer)

• Triethanolamine (pH balancer), sodium benzoate & essential oils (preservatives)

• Prepared using cold maceration/decoction for extract stability.

???? IX. Evaluation Tests Summary

• pH: Measured to ensure scalp compatibility (ideal 4.5–6.5).

• Viscosity: Ensures right texture and ease of use.

• Spreadability: Tested with glass slides.

• Washability: No sticky residue.

• Microbial load & skin irritation: Ensures safety.

• Stability: Tested under varied conditions for shelf life.

???? X. Future Scope

Promising directions for further development:

• Nano-herbal delivery for deeper scalp penetration.

• Clinical trials to verify safety and claims.

• Customizable formulas for different scalp types.

• Eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing.

• AI-driven personalization for targeted hair care solutions.

Conclusion

The study\'s formulation of a semisolid herbal hair gel showed outstanding stability and physicochemical properties. The chosen herbal extracts have calming effects on the scalp, improved hair nourishing, and antibacterial protection. Evaluation characteristics like pH, stability, spreadability, and viscosity verified that the gel was suitable for frequent usage without creating accumulation or irritation. Consumer demands for safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient cosmetics are addressed by the herbal hair gel, which is a natural and affordable substitute for conventional synthetic gels. Its potential as a widely used herbal hair care product can be established with more clinical research and market confirmation.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mr. Tejas Kailas Shendkar, Ms. Aishwarya Todkar, Mr. Nitin Gawai, Mr. Vivek Patil, Mr. Prathamesh Divekar. 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.