Formulation and Evaluation of a Herbal face toner containing Nelumbo nucifera and Daucus carota Extract

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays an important role in protection against environmental damage, pathogens, and chemical exposure. It consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Maintaining healthy skin requires proper cleansing, hydration, and protection.Face toners are liquid cosmetic formulations applied after cleansing to remove residual impurities, balance skin pH, tighten pores, and prepare the skin for moisturizers and serums. Conventional toners often contain alcohol and synthetic chemicals that may cause dryness and irritation.

Recently, herbal cosmetic products have gained popularity due to their safety, effectiveness, and minimal side effects. Natural plant extracts rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds can provide multiple dermatological benefits.Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is widely used in traditional medicine and cosmetics de to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It contains flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds which contribute to anti-aging and skin brightening effects.

Carrot (Daucus carota) is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants that promote skin regeneration, improve complexion, and protect against UV damage.Therefore, this study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal face toner combining lotus and carrot extracts to provide antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning benefits.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials

All materials used in the formulation of the herbal face toner were of analytical or cosmetic grade and were used without further purification. The principal herbal ingredients used in this study included lotus flower petals from Nelumbo nucifera and carrot roots from Daucus carota. These plants were selected due to their well-documented dermatological and antioxidant properties that support skin hydration, anti-aging activity, and protection against oxidative stress.

Fresh lotus flowers were collected and the petals were separated carefully. Carrot roots were obtained from a local agricultural source and washed thoroughly before processing. Both plant materials were processed into extracts that served as the primary bioactive components in the 4toner formulation.

Additional formulation ingredients included glycerine as a humectant to enhance skin hydration, rose water obtained from Rosa damascena as a soothing base and natural fragrance, sodium benzoate as a preservative to prevent microbial contamination, vitamin E as an antioxidant stabilizer, citric acid solution for pH adjustment, and a cosmetic-grade fragrance agent to improve sensory characteristics.

All aqueous solutions were prepared using distilled water, and all glassware and equipment used during formulation were cleaned and sterilized prior to use to ensure product safety and avoid contamination.

Preparation of Plant Extracts

Preparation of Carrot Extract

The carrot extract was prepared using a modified percolation extraction method to obtain phytochemicals such as beta-carotene, vitamins, and antioxidant compounds.Fresh carrots were initially washed thoroughly under running water to remove soil and impurities. The outer peel was removed manually using a sterile peeler, and the carrots were cut into thin slices of approximately 2–3 mm thickness to facilitate drying and extraction efficiency.

The sliced carrot material was then dried in a hot air oven maintained at a temperature of 50–55 °C until the pieces became brittle and free of moisture. Drying was performed to prevent microbial growth and to enhance extraction efficiency by reducing water content.The dried carrot slices were subsequently ground using a mechanical grinder to obtain a coarse powder with a particle size of approximately 20–40 mesh. The powdered material was stored in an airtight container until further extraction.

For extraction, the powdered carrot material was subjected to an imbibition process. The powder was transferred to a beaker and moistened with sufficient 70% ethanol until the material was completely wetted. The mixture was allowed to stand for 2–4 hours to allow the plant cells to swell and facilitate solvent penetration.

Following imbibition, the moistened powder was packed into a percolator. A layer of cotton or filter paper was placed at the bottom of the percolator to prevent clogging and ensure uniform solvent flow. The carrot powder was added gradually and packed gently without compression to allow proper solvent circulation.

The solvent (70% ethanol) was slowly poured into the percolator until it covered the plant material by approximately 3–4 cm. The percolator was closed and allowed to stand for 24 hours to allow maceration and solvent penetration.

Percolation was then initiated by opening the stopcock, allowing the solvent to flow at a controlled rate of 1–3 drops per second. The extract (percolate) was collected in a clean amber glass container. Fresh solvent was added as necessary to maintain the solvent level above the plant bed.

Percolation was continued until the extract became nearly colorless, indicating complete extraction of active constituents. The collected extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 40–45 °C to remove excess ethanol and obtain a semi-concentrated carrot extract.The final extract was stored in an amber-colored bottle at refrigerated conditions until use in formulation.

Preparation of Lotus Extract

The lotus extract was prepared using a Soxhlet extraction method, which is widely used for efficient extraction of phytochemicals from plant materials.Fresh lotus flowers were collected and the petals were separated carefully from the floral structure. The petals were washed with distilled water to remove dust and impurities and then shade-dried at room temperature for 3–5 days until complete moisture removal.

The dried petals were ground using a grinder to obtain a coarse powder. Approximately 20 g of lotus petal powder was accurately weighed for extraction.The powdered material was placed into a filter paper thimble, which was inserted into the main chamber of the Soxhlet extractor. A round-bottom flask containing 200 mL of 95% ethanol was attached to the Soxhlet apparatus.

The extraction setup consisted of a heating mantle, round-bottom flask, Soxhlet extractor, and condenser. The solvent was heated until it began to boil and evaporate. The ethanol vapor traveled upward into the condenser, where it condensed and dripped onto the plant material contained in the extraction chamber.The extraction chamber gradually filled with solvent containing dissolved phytochemicals. Once the solvent reached the siphon level, it returned to the flask, carrying extracted compounds with it.

This extraction cycle was repeated for 8–10 cycles, typically lasting 4–6 hours, to ensure complete extraction of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds from the lotus petals.After completion of the extraction process, the apparatus was allowed to cool and was carefully dismantled. The solvent containing the lotus extract was then concentrated using a rotary evaporator or water bath maintained below 40 °C to prevent degradation of thermolabile compounds.The concentrated lotus extract was collected as a semi-solid viscous mass and transferred into an amber glass container. The extract was stored at 4 °C until use in the formulation process.

Formulation of Herbal Face Toner

The herbal face toner was prepared using a simple aqueous formulation method to ensure homogeneity and stability of the final product. Initially, a clean and dry 20 mL beaker was taken, and the required quantity of lotus extract was added. The measured amount of glycerine was then incorporated into the beaker and stirred continuously using a glass rod until uniform mixing was achieved. Subsequently, sodium benzoate was added as a preservative to prevent microbial contamination during storage. The carrot extract was then added slowly to the mixture with continuous stirring to ensure proper dispersion of active compounds.

After thorough mixing of the extracts, the required quantity of vitamin E was added to enhance antioxidant activity and improve skin protection properties. Rose water was then incorporated as the aqueous base of the formulation. The mixture was stirred continuously to obtain a clear and homogeneous solution.

The pH of the formulation was measured using a calibrated pH meter. If necessary, the pH was adjusted by adding a small quantity of citric acid solution dropwise until the formulation reached a pH range compatible with skin (approximately 4.5–5.5). The prepared toner solution was filtered through filter paper to remove any suspended particles or impurities. The final formulation was transferred into sterilized containers and properly labelled for further evaluation and analysis.

Three formulations were prepared with different concentrations of extracts.

Formulation Composition

Evaluation of Herbal Face Toner

The prepared toner formulation was evaluated for various physicochemical and dermatological parameters to assess its suitability for cosmetic use.

Organoleptic Evaluation

Organoleptic properties such as colour, odour, clarity, and texture were assessed visually to ensure consumer acceptability and uniformity of the formulation.

Homogeneity Test

Homogeneity of the formulation was evaluated by visual inspection to ensure the absence of visible particles, lumps, or phase separation.

pH Determination

The pH of the toner was determined using a calibrated digital pH meter. Approximately 25 mL of the formulation was taken in a beaker, and the pH electrode was immersed into the sample until a stable reading was obtained.

Viscosity Measurement

The viscosity of the toner formulation was determined using an Ostwald viscometer. The flow time of the formulation was compared with that of distilled water to calculate viscosity values in centipoise.

Surface Tension

Surface tension was measured using a stalagmometer to determine the spreading ability of the toner formulation on the skin surface.

Skin Irritation Test

A small quantity of the toner was applied on the dorsal side of the hand and observed for any signs of redness, itching, or irritation. The absence of such symptoms indicated that the formulation was safe for topical application.

Spreadability

The toner was sprayed onto the skin surface and spread gently using cotton. The ability of the formulation to spread uniformly was recorded.

Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar plate inoculation. The formulated toner was applied to an agar plate containing microbial culture and incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours. The absence or reduction of microbial growth indicated antimicrobial effectiveness.

Stability Studies

The formulation was subjected to stability testing under different conditions, including light exposure and storage for 30 days, to observe any changes in color, odor, or physical properties..

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal face toner containing lotus extract (Nelumbo nucifera) and carrot extract (Daucus carota). Three different formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were prepared by varying the concentrations of the active herbal extracts while keeping other ingredients constant. The prepared formulations were subjected to various evaluation parameters including organoleptic characteristics, phytochemical screening, pH determination, antioxidant activity, and physical stability tests.

The results obtained from these evaluations are discussed below.

3.1 Organoleptic Evaluation

Organoleptic evaluation is an important parameter for cosmetic formulations because it determines consumer acceptability and aesthetic quality. The prepared toner formulations were evaluated for colour, sensitivity, grittiness, and sedimentation through visual inspection.

Table 1: Organoleptic Properties of Herbal Face Toner

All the formulations were clear, colourless liquids without visible particles, indicating that the extraction process and filtration produced a uniform preparation. The absence of grittiness suggests that the toner contains finely dispersed plant extracts without undissolved particles.

No sedimentation was observed in any of the formulations, which indicates good physical stability and proper solubility of ingredients in the aqueous base.

Furthermore, none of the formulations showed signs of skin sensitivity, suggesting that the ingredients used in the formulation were non-irritant and suitable for topical application.

3.2 Phytochemical Screening

Phytochemical analysis was carried out to detect the presence of bioactive compounds in the herbal extracts used in the toner formulation. The tests performed included identification of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins.

Table 2: Phytochemical Screening Results

The phytochemical screening results confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in the herbal extracts used in the toner.Flavonoids and tannins are known to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for skin health. The presence of these compounds supports the therapeutic potential of the toner formulation.

Carrot extract is particularly rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to skin nourishment and protection against oxidative stress. Similarly, lotus extract contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which help in soothing irritated skin and reducing inflammation.Thus, the phytochemical analysis confirmed that the prepared herbal toner contains bioactive phytoconstituents responsible for its cosmetic and therapeutic effects.

3.3 pH Determination

The pH of cosmetic formulations is an important parameter because it determines skin compatibility and safety. The pH of the prepared formulations was measured using a calibrated pH meter.

Table 3: pH of Herbal Face Toner Formulations

Graph 1: pH Comparison of Toner Formulations

The pH values of all formulations ranged between 4.0 and 5.0, which falls within the normal pH range of human skin (4.5–5.5).

Maintaining an appropriate pH is essential because it helps:

• Preserve the skin’s natural acid mantle
• Prevent microbial growth
• Maintain skin hydration
• Avoid irritation or dryness

Among the three formulations, Formulation 3 (pH 4.5) was closest to the natural skin pH and therefore considered the most suitable for skin application.

3.4 Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidant activity plays a crucial role in skincare formulations because antioxidants help in neutralizing free radicals that cause premature aging, skin dullness, and oxidative damage.

Table 4: Antioxidant Activity of Formulations

The antioxidant activity observed in the toner formulations can be attributed to the combined effect of lotus extract and carrot extract.Carrot extract contains beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are powerful antioxidants that protect skin from UV-induced damage.Lotus extract contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which have strong free radical scavenging properties.

Formulation 3 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, which can be attributed to its higher concentration of both lotus and carrot extracts.

3.5 Skin Compatibility and Performance Evaluation

The toner formulations were also evaluated for skin irritation, spreadability, stickiness, and skin conditioning effects.

Table 5: Skin Performance Evaluation

The skin irritation test indicated that the toner was safe for topical application and did not cause redness or itching. The formulation was non-sticky and easily spreadable, which improves consumer acceptability.After application, the skin appeared smooth, hydrated, and refreshed, which confirms the moisturizing effect of glycerine and rose water in the formulation.

3.6 FTIR analysis of herbal face toner

FTIR Spectrum

The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis was carried out to identify the functional groups present in the formulated herbal face toner containing lotus extract (Nelumbo nucifera) and carrot extract (Daucus carota). FTIR analysis helps confirm the presence of bioactive compounds and compatibility of ingredients in the formulation.

The spectrum was recorded using a PerkinElmer Spectrum Two FTIR spectrometer within the range of 4000–600 cm?¹ using a MIRacle ZnSe ATR accessory with 4 cm?¹ resolution and 5 scans. The FTIR spectrum exhibited several characteristic peaks corresponding to various functional groups derived from plant phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and carbohydrates.

FTIR Peak Interpretation