FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL HAND SANITIZER USING INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS

By Vishal Kakade, Telgote Chinmay, Jayesh C. Chaudhari, Dr. Vijay Patel

¹ Student, P. G. College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Chaupale, Tal & Dist. – Nandurbar (MS), India
² Assistant Professor, P. G. College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Chaupale, Tal & Dist. – Nandurbar (MS), India
³ Principal, P. G. College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Chaupale, Tal & Dist. – Nandurbar (MS), India

Published: 2026 | DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.20373108 | Download PDF

Abstract

Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective preventive measures for reducing the transmission of infectious diseases in both healthcare and community settings. Human hands serve as major vectors for the spread of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, making effective hand sanitization an essential public health intervention.

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal hand sanitizer incorporating extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), and Mint (Mentha arvensis) as active botanical ingredients.

The developed formulation demonstrated acceptable organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical stability, and favorable dermatological compatibility.

Keywords:

Herbal hand sanitizer, polyherbal formulation, neem, tulsi, aloe vera, mint, hand hygiene, antimicrobial formulation

Introduction

Hand hygiene is universally recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In situations where soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizers provide a rapid and practical hygiene solution.

Conventional alcohol-based sanitizers may cause skin dryness, irritation, and barrier disruption with repeated use. Herbal formulations incorporating medicinal plant extracts offer a potentially safer and more skin-compatible alternative.

Materials and Methods

The polyherbal sanitizer was formulated using neem, tulsi, aloe vera, and mint extracts combined with isopropyl alcohol, glycerin, and distilled water.

Herbal extracts were prepared through ethanolic extraction and fresh aloe vera gel processing. The final sanitizer was prepared as a hydroalcoholic formulation with uniform mixing and pH adjustment.

Evaluation Parameters

  • Organoleptic assessment
  • pH determination
  • Bulk density
  • Tapped density
  • Skin irritation testing
  • Stability studies

Results and Discussion

The developed formulation showed acceptable cosmetic and practical characteristics suitable for hand hygiene applications.

  • Appearance: Green
  • Odor: Pleasant herbal
  • Texture: Smooth and homogeneous
  • pH: 5.5–7.0
  • Bulk Density: 0.75 g/mL
  • Tapped Density: 0.857 g/mL
  • Skin Irritation: None observed
  • Stability: No significant changes observed

Neem contributed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tulsi enhanced antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Aloe vera improved moisturization and reduced alcohol-induced dryness. Mint added cooling, antimicrobial, and sensory benefits.

Conclusion

The polyherbal hand sanitizer demonstrated acceptable physicochemical properties, favorable skin compatibility, and short-term stability, suggesting potential as a safe and cosmetically acceptable hygiene formulation.

Further antimicrobial efficacy testing, long-term stability evaluation, and expanded dermatological studies are recommended before commercial application.

References

  1. WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene.
  2. Kampf G, Kramer A. Hand hygiene agents.
  3. Pittet D. Infection prevention.
  4. Boyce JM, Pittet D. Healthcare hand hygiene.
  5. Gold NA, Avva U. Alcohol sanitizer review.
  6. Cowan MM. Plant antimicrobial agents.
  7. Biswas K et al. Neem medicinal properties.
  8. Cohen MM. Tulsi medicinal review.