Department of pharmaceutics, Samarth institute of pharmacy, Belhe, Pune, 412410, Maharashtra, India
Herbal cold creams are topical formulations designed to provide hydration, soothe the skin, and protect against environmental stressors such as cold weather, unlike conventional cold creams that may contain synthetic ingredients, herbal cold creams are enriched with natural extracts derived from plants, offering therapeutic benefits. The active ingredients typically include herbal oils and plant-based compounds like Aloe vera, neem extract. These ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties.Aloe vera is a widely used ingredient in herbal cold creams due to its diverse skin benefits. This plant extract is known for its powerful moisturizing properties, which help maintain skin hydration and softness. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory compounds reduce redness, irritation, and discomfort, making it suitable for sensitive or damaged skin. It also promotes skin healing and regeneration, aiding in the treatment of burns, wounds, and dry skin. Additionally, its natural cooling effect provides relief from sunburn and inflammation. Rich in essential vitamins (A, C, E, B12) and minerals, aloe vera nourishes the skin while offering therapeutic and cosmetic advantages. Its inclusion in herbal cold creams enhances the overall effectiveness of the product, making it a popular and beneficial choice for skin care.
Cold cream is a type of emulsion-based cosmetic product primarily used for skin hydration, cleansing, and protection. Traditionally, cold creams have been used to moisturize dry skin, especially during colder months when environmental factors such as low humidity and wind can strip the skin of its natural moisture. The term "cold" in cold cream originates from the cooling sensation it provides when applied to the skin, due to the presence of water in the formula that evaporates, leaving a soothing and refreshing feeling. The formulation of cold creams typically includes a blend of water, oils (like mineral or almond oil), emulsifiers (such as beeswax), and other ingredients that offer soothing and protective effects. The water-in-oil emulsion structure makes cold creams thicker than other moisturizers, forming a protective layer on the skin that locks in moisture and shields against harsh environmental conditions.
HISTORY
Cold cream was first invented by Galen, a famous Greek physician- pharmacist in the Roman Empire (who practiced in Rome) of the 1" Century AD. The Galen formula of cold cream has changed but little in proportions or method of preparation throughout many centuries. The term "cold cream” refers to the numbing sensation the cream left behind on the skin. Water in oil (w/o) emulsions were typically used to create cold creams. Much of the water in the creams evaporates after they are applied to the skin, leaving the residual oil to function as a solvent, clearing the skin of makeup and other impurities. Additionally, surfactant activity might exist. According to some chemists, the cooling effect of the water evaporation on the skin is the reason why these creams are referred to as “cold creams.”An other argument Is that the creams required to be stored in a cool environment to prevent them from growing rancid in the days before mineral oil or Petrolatum were utilised. They acquired their moniker because of how frigid they felt to the touch.
ADVANTAGES OF COLD CREAM:
DISADVANTAGES OF COLD CREAM:
Benefits of herbal cosmetics
Emulsification technique
Emulsification is the process of combining two immiscible liquids such as oil and water on to a stable and uniform mixture. Cold cream is emulsion of oil in water with the oil being the primary ingredient.There are several technique for emulsifying cold cream but one common method is to use an emulsifying agent, such as beeswax or borax which helps to stabilize the emulsion and prevent separation of the oil and water phases. Here is a basic recipe for making cold cream using the emulsification techniques
Benefits of Emulsification Technique
|
Sr.No. |
INGREDIENTS |
Role of ingredients |
|
1 |
Hibiscus Flowers extract |
Improve Skin tone, Hyper pigmentation, discolouration, dark spots |
|
2 |
Aloe vera gel |
Anti-ageing, Anti Inflammatory, moisturizer, reduce acne and pimples |
|
3 |
Neem extract |
Anti-inflammatory, moisturizer, reduce pimples |
|
4 |
Rose water |
Fragrance |
|
5 |
Borax |
With emulsifying agent to form soap |
|
6 |
Beeswax |
It gives thickness to the cream. |
|
7 |
Methyl paraben |
Preservative |
|
8 |
Liquid paraffin |
Lubricating agent, alkaline agent |
METHOD AND MATERIALS
Making of herbal Cold Cream Formulation: -
In a borosilicate glass beaker, heat the liquid paraffin and beeswax to 75°C and keep it there. Phase of oil. Borax and methyl paraben should be dissolved in distilled water in a different beaker, and the mixture should be heated to 75°C to produce a transparent solution. (Phase of water). Next, gradually incorporate this aqueous phase into the heated oil phase A smooth cream will then form after adding a measured amount of Aloe vera gel and mixing. After adding a few drops of rose oil for fragrance, gradually add the powdered hibiscus extract and thoroughly. Transfer this cream to a plate, stir it geometrically in order to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and the cream has a smooth texture, and add a few drops of distilled water if needed
Evaluation of Polyherbal Cold Cream: -
Determination of Physical appearance
The physical appearance of cold cream was inspected visually against dark background. The average of three reading is recorded.
Homogeneity
Homogeneity is the formulated cold creamwas tested for the homogeneity y visual appearance and by touch. After feel Emolliency, slipperiness and amount of residue left after the application of fixed amount of cream was checked. After application of cream, the type of film or smear formed on the skin were checked. The ease of removal of the cream applied was examined by washing the applied part with tap water.
Sensitivity test: -
The cream which was prepared has applied on 1cm skin of hand and exposed to sunlight for 4-5mins.
Spread ability:
The spread ability was expressed in terms of time in seconds taken by two slides to slip off from the cream, placed in between the slides, under certain load. Lesser the time taken for separation of the two slides better the spread ability. Two sets of glass slides of standard dimension were taken8 . Then one slide of suitable dimension was taken and the cream formulation was placed on that slide. Then other slide was placed on the top of the formulation. Then a weight or certain load was placed on the upper slide so that the cream between the two slides was pressed uniformly to form a thin layer. Then the weight was removed and excess of formulation adhering to the slides was scrapped off. The upper slide was allowed to slip off freely by the force of weight tied to it. The time taken by the upper slide to slip off was noted9.
Spread ability= m × l/t
Where,
m= Standard weight which is tied to or placed over the upper slide (30g)
l= length of a glass slide (5 cm)
t= time taken in seconds.
pH
The pH of aloe cold cream was determined using pH meter. The most accurate common means of measuring pH is through a lab device called a probe and meter, or simply a pH meter. The probe consists of a glass electrode through which a small voltage is passed. The meter is a voltmeter, measures the electronic impedance in the glass electrode and displays pH units instead of volts. Measurement is made by submerging the probe in the semisolid until a reading is registered by the meter
Washability
Washability test was carried out by applying a small amount of cream on the hand and then washing it with tap water. Result: Washing the formulations was simple.
Irritancy study observations
On the dorsal surface of the left hand, mark the area (1 cm2). After that, the region was treated with the cream, and the time was recorded. No redness, edema, inflammation, and irritation was found during irritancy study. Thus, the prepared formulation was safe to use for skin. Result: Nil Irritant, erythema and edema effect.
Sensitivity test
The cream which was prepared has applied on Skin of handand exposed to sunlightfor 4- 5mins
CONCLUSION
By using neem extract, hibiscus flowers extract and aloe vera the cream showed a multipurposeeffect and all these aloeingredients showed significant different activities. Based on results and discussion, the formulations F1, and F2 were stable at room temperature and can be safely used onthe skin.Howeverthe formula 1 showed the best results in all aspects. From the above results it is concluded that the formulated cream showed good consistency and spread ability, homogeneity, pH, non-greasy and there is no phase separation during study period ofresearch. From the above study it can be concluded that the cold cream is safe to use as it is developed from extract. Natural remedies are more acceptable in the belief that they are safer with fewer side effects than the synthetic ones. So,the values of herbs in the cosmeceutical has been extensively improved in personal care system and there is a great demand for the herbal cosmetics nowadays. An herbal cream which is non-toxic, safe, effective and improves patient compliance by the utilization of herbal extracts would be highly acceptable than synthetic ones.
REFERENCES
Gajare Prajakta*, Khaladkar shraddha, A Review on: Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Cold Cream Using Hibiscus Rosa Sinesis, Neem and Aloe Vera Extract, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 4, 1772-1778. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15213391
10.5281/zenodo.15213391
