Formulation and Evaluating a Natural Shampoo: A Sustainable Approach to Hair Cleansing

Recently, consumer demand has markedly shifted towards natural and eco-friendly personal care products, propelled by heightened knowledge of the possible detrimental effects of synthetic chemicals on human health and the environment. Traditional shampoos frequently incorporate synthetic surfactants, preservatives, artificial perfumes, and colorants, potentially resulting in scalp discomfort, hair damage, and enduring environmental issues due to their non-biodegradable characteristics.[1] Ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and silicones, while excellent for washing and conditioning, have been linked to dryness, allergic reactions, and environmental persistence.[2]

Conversely, natural shampoos composed of botanical elements present a viable and ecological option. These formulations generally include herbal extracts, essential oils, and biodegradable, mild surfactants that are less detrimental to aquatic habitats. Traditional medicinal systems, including Ayurveda, have historically employed plants such as amla (Phyllanthus emblica), shikakai (Acacia concinna), neem (Azadirachta indica), and hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for hair care, emphasizing its cleansing, conditioning, antibacterial, and nourishing attributes.
The notion of sustainability in cosmetic formulation encompasses not only the utilization of natural materials but also environmentally responsible sourcing, limited processing, diminished reliance on synthetic additives, and eco-friendly packaging. [3]

The development of a natural shampoo that adheres to contemporary norms of efficacy, safety, and stability while ensuring sustainability is a significant research focus. This research centers on the development and assessment of a natural shampoo utilizing herbal constituents as primary elements. The research seeks to create a solution that efficiently cleanses the hair and scalp while maintaining optimal physicochemical qualities, including pH, viscosity, foam stability, and conditioning efficacy. [4]

The study assesses the formulation for stability, safety, and user acceptance, offering a thorough evaluation of its viability as a sustainable alternative to traditional shampoos. This research advances the field of green cosmetics by merging historic knowledge with contemporary formulation techniques, thereby fostering safer and more environmentally sustainable hair care solutions.

Table: Drug Profile of Selected Natural Ingredients[5,6,7]

METHOD OF EXTRACTION OF API[8,9,10]

Extraction of Curcumin from Curcuma longa

Curcumin was extracted from Curcuma longa using the Soxhlet extraction method. The dried turmeric rhizome was powdered and subjected to extraction with 95% ethanol in a Soxhlet apparatus. After continuous extraction, the solvent was distilled off to obtain a semisolid mass.

The semisolid extract was dissolved in benzene (50 mL) and extracted twice with 0.1% sodium hydroxide solution. The alkaline extract was then acidified with dilute alcohol to precipitate curcumin. The precipitate was allowed to settle, followed by boiling and filtration under hot conditions. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain crystalline curcumin.

Extraction of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil was extracted by a mechanical pressing method. Initially, the flaxseeds were cracked or flaked to increase the surface area. The seeds were then conditioned to appropriate moisture and temperature levels.

The conditioned seeds were pressed using a mechanical press to extract the oil. The crude oil was filtered and subjected to degumming to remove phospholipids. Sodium hydroxide treatment was performed to neutralize free fatty acids. Further purification was carried out using centrifugation to separate impurities.

The oil was then bleached to improve clarity and filtered again. Finally, the refined flaxseed oil was obtained.

Extraction of Lavender Oil

Lavender oil was extracted by the steam distillation method. Water was heated to its boiling point to generate steam, which was passed through lavender plant material.

The steam carrying volatile oil components was then condensed by cooling. The condensate separated into two layers, from which the essential oil was collected.

MATERIALS AND METHOD OF PREPARATION OF SHAMPOO

Contents of Shampoo and formulation quantity

Table : Composition of Shampoo

Preparation of Shampoo[11,12]

The shampoo was prepared by incorporating both synthetic and natural ingredients in a systematic manner. Initially, the surfactants such as SLES, coco monoethanolamide, coco diethanolamine, and EDTA were mixed thoroughly.

Purified water (aqua) was then added slowly with continuous stirring to form a uniform base. Ethylene glycol monostearate (EGMS) was added as a thickening agent to improve viscosity.

Methyl paraben was incorporated as a preservative to enhance the stability and shelf-life of the formulation. Finally, the herbal ingredients curcumin (1%), flaxseed oil (0.75%), and lavender oil (0.25%) were added and mixed uniformly to obtain the final shampoo formulation.

Evaluation Parameters[13-18]

These evaluation parameters help determine the quality, safety, stability, and performance of the shampoo formulation. A good shampoo should have mild pH, good foaming, proper viscosity, effective cleaning action, and stability over time.

Table: Evaluation Parameters of Shampoo

RESULTS

Physical Appearance / Visual Inspection

The prepared shampoo formulations were evaluated for visual characteristics such as color, texture, and turbidity. All samples showed uniform appearance with desirable aesthetic properties.

Table  Physical Evaluation of Shampoo

 All formulations exhibited a clear, homogeneous gel-like appearance with no visible impurities.

Determination of pH

Table  pH Determination

The pH of all formulations was within the acceptable range (5–7), indicating suitability for scalp application.

Determination of Percentage Solid Content

Table  Solid Content Determination

The solid content was within an acceptable range, ensuring ease of application and rinsability.
(Note: Corrected average = 22.29%, not 27.91%)

Rheological (Viscosity) Evaluation

Table: Viscosity Evaluation

The viscosity values indicate good consistency and spreadability of the shampoo.

Cleaning Action

Table Cleaning Efficiency

The shampoo exhibited satisfactory cleaning ability.

Surface Tension

Table Surface Tension Measurement

Reduced surface tension confirms good detergent and wetting properties.

Foaming Index

Table Foaming Index

The shampoo showed good foam formation and stability over time.

(Note: Average value removed since it was incorrectly repeated from surface tension)