FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AN HERBAL ALOE–CUCUMBER FACE CREAM FOR TOPICAL SKINCARE APPLICATIONS

By Pratik Ravindra Mali, Kajal Rajendra Saindane, Hemraj Ramesh Dhangar, Swapnil B. More, Dr. Vijay Patel

¹ Final Year B. Pharmacy, P.G. College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Chaupale, Tal. Dist. Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India
² Assistant Professor, P.G. College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Chaupale, Tal. Dist. Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India
³ Principal, P.G. College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Chaupale, Tal. Dist. Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India

Published: 2026 | DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.20378873 | Download PDF

Abstract

Herbal cosmetics have gained considerable attention in modern dermatological and cosmetic sciences owing to their perceived safety, biocompatibility, and therapeutic benefits compared with synthetic formulations. Natural plant-derived ingredients offer multifunctional effects including moisturization, antioxidant protection, soothing action, anti-inflammatory activity, and skin barrier enhancement. Among herbal ingredients, Aloe vera and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) have been extensively recognized for their hydrating, cooling, and skin-rejuvenating properties. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal face cream containing aloe vera and cucumber extracts for topical skincare application. The formulation was designed using naturally derived active ingredients along with suitable excipients including coconut oil, vitamin E, sandalwood powder, corn flour, xanthan gum, glycerine, propylene glycol, zinc oxide, methyl paraben, and rose water.

Keywords:

Aloe vera, cucumber, herbal cosmetics, face cream, topical formulation, skincare, natural moisturizer

Introduction

Cosmetics have historically played an essential role in personal care, aesthetic enhancement, and skin protection. Creams remain one of the most widely accepted semisolid dosage forms because of their convenience, ease of application, patient compliance, and formulation flexibility. The increasing global demand for herbal cosmetics has stimulated significant research into plant-based skincare formulations due to concerns regarding irritation and toxicity associated with synthetic products.

Aloe vera is widely recognized for moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, while cucumber is valued for hydration, cooling, and antioxidant benefits. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal face cream using these natural ingredients for daily topical skincare use.

Materials and Methods

The herbal face cream formulation was prepared using aloe vera extract, cucumber extract, coconut oil, vitamin E, sandalwood powder, corn flour, xanthan gum, methyl paraben, glycerine, propylene glycol, zinc oxide, and rose water.

Fresh aloe vera gel was extracted and homogenized. Cucumber juice was prepared by mechanical grating and filtration. The aqueous and oily phases were prepared separately and emulsified with continuous stirring to achieve a homogeneous semisolid cream. Preservatives and stabilizers were added to ensure stability and shelf-life.

Evaluation Parameters

The formulated cream was evaluated for:

  • Organoleptic properties
  • pH determination
  • Consistency and viscosity
  • Spreadability
  • Stability study
  • Skin compatibility
  • Preservative efficacy

Results and Discussion

The herbal aloe–cucumber face cream was successfully formulated as a stable semisolid cosmetic preparation. The cream exhibited a light green color, pleasant odor, opaque appearance, and smooth texture.

Physicochemical evaluation showed:

  • pH: 5.2
  • Viscosity: Medium
  • Stability: Stable
  • Drying Time: 8 seconds

Aloe vera contributed hydrating and soothing effects, while cucumber enhanced cooling sensation and moisturization. Supportive excipients improved stability, texture, and preservative performance.

Conclusion

The developed herbal aloe–cucumber face cream demonstrated acceptable physicochemical properties, stability, cosmetic acceptability, and skin compatibility. The formulation shows promising potential as a natural topical skincare preparation suitable for routine use. Further advanced analytical, microbiological, and clinical studies are recommended.

References

  1. Shah RN, Mehta BM. A Handbook of Cosmetics.
  2. Myers D. Surfactant Science and Technology.
  3. Sahu T, Patel T, Sahu S, Gidwani B. Skin cream as topical drug delivery system.
  4. James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM. Clinical Dermatology.
  5. Ross and Wilson. Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness.
  6. Ansel HC, Popovich NG, Allen LV. Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms.
  7. Rai R, Poudyl AP, Das S. Pharmaceutical creams and wound healing.
  8. Mohiuddin AK. Skin care creams: Formulation and use.