NATURAL HAIR CARE: FORMULATING AND EVALUATING A HERBAL SHAMPOO BLEND
Keywords:
Herbal shampoo, Natural Hair Care, Botanical Ingredients, Eco-friendly Shampoo, Hair Nourishment, Hair Growth, Scalp Health, Natural Surfactant, Conditioning Agents, pH Balance, Formulation Stability.Abstract
The growing demand for natural and eco-friendly personal care products has spurred interest in herbal shampoos. This research paper presents the formulation and evaluation of a herbal shampoo incorporating a blend of beneficial botanical ingredients: aloe vera gel, soapnut (reetha) extract, bhringraj (Eclipta alba), lavender oil, grapefruit seed extract, xanthan gum, citric acid, hibiscus extract, and distilled water. The aim is to create a shampoo that not only effectively cleanses the hair but also provides nourishment and promotes overall hair health.
Aloe vera gel was selected for its soothing and moisturizing properties, while soapnut extract served as the natural surfactant, ensuring gentle cleansing. Bhringraj was included for its renowned hair-strengthening and growth-promoting effects. Lavender oil was chosen for its soothing fragrance and scalp conditioning benefits, and grapefruit seed extract acted as a natural preservative. Xanthan gum was utilized as a thickening agent to enhance the shampoo’s viscosity, and citric acid was employed to adjust the pH to a scalp-friendly level. Hibiscus extract was added for its conditioning properties, providing a natural shine and softness to the hair.
The formulation process Involved careful blending of these ingredients to achieve a stable and homogenous mixture. The shampoo was then subjected to various evaluations, including physical and chemical stability tests, foaming capacity, and pH measurement. Additionally, the effectiveness of the herbal shampoo was assessed through user trials, focusing on parameters such as cleansing efficiency, ease of application, rinse-ability, and post-wash hair feel.
Results indicated that the formulated herbal shampoo possessed desirable physicochemical properties, maintained stability over time, and provided satisfactory cleansing and conditioning effects. User feedback highlighted improvements in hair texture, reduced scalp irritation, and enhanced overall hair health.
In conclusion, the herbal shampoo formulated in this study presents a viable alternative to conventional shampoos, offering natural and effective hair care with minimal chemical additives. Further studies may explore the long-term benefits and potential enhancements to this formulation to cater to diverse hair types and conditions.
