Tamarind Seed Gum-Based Herbal Antimicrobial Face Mask Incorporated with Charcoal and Aloe Vera

Abstract

Face masks have gained immense popularity due to their purported benefits in skincare and hygiene. This study aimed to prepare face masks using a combination of tamarind seed gum, charcoal, and Aloe Vera and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against facial microflora. The preparation involved the extraction of tamarind seed gum and its incorporation with charcoal and Aloe Vera gel to form a cohesive mask. Chemical characterization of Tamarind seed gum revealed the presence of fourteen components by GC-MS. Predominant microorganisms isolated from face were identified as Staphylococcus sp, Micrococcus sp. The antimicrobial study revealed the excellent antimicrobial potential of all the components of face mask. The finding suggests the potential of these natural ingredients in formulating effective and safe face masks for skincare applications. Our study contributes to the development of natural and effective skincare product by harnessing the antimicrobial potential of tamarind seed gum, Aloe Vera and charcoal extracts.

Introduction

The text discusses natural bioactive materials—especially tamarind seed gum, aloe vera, and charcoal—and their antimicrobial properties, along with their application in developing a herbal antimicrobial face mask.

Natural gums are plant- or microbe-derived polysaccharides used as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Tamarind seed gum (TSG), extracted from tamarind seeds, is rich in galactoxyloglucan and has properties like gelling, thickening, and stabilization. Tamarind seeds also contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids, and show antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. Aloe vera is widely used for its soothing, antimicrobial, and healing properties, while charcoal is known for its toxin-absorbing and cleansing effects.

The study involves isolating bacteria from human facial skin using swab samples, culturing them on agar media, and identifying them as mainly Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. Tamarind seed gum, aloe vera, and charcoal extracts were prepared using ethanol extraction methods and tested for antimicrobial activity using the well diffusion method.

Results indicate that all three natural substances show antimicrobial effects against facial bacteria. Based on this, a face mask was formulated using tamarind seed gum, aloe vera, and charcoal in equal proportions to provide cleansing, antibacterial, and skin-beneficial effects.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Fida Sherin P, Dr. Nisy S, Jomol F, Fathima Nidha M, Nusna T N, Keerthana P. 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.