Formulation and Evaluation of a Natural Gram Flour–Based Herbal Peel-Off Face Mask Gel for Skin Care

The term “cosmetic” is derived from the Greek expression kosmos tikos, which relates to the art and skill of organizing, decorating, and improving one’s appearance.

In modern usage, cosmetics refer to substances designed to enhance personal care and visual appeal. As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, cosmetics are products intended for application to any external part of the human body through methods such as rubbing, pouring, sprinkling, spraying, or similar means. Their primary purpose is to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, or modify the overall appearance of an individual. ^[1,2]

Herbal cosmetics are preparations made primarily from plant-based materials such as extracts, essential oils, and powdered herbs. These formulations are intended not only to cleanse and improve the appearance of the skin and hair but also to support their health through the natural beneficial properties present in botanical ingredients. ^[3,4]

PEEL – OFF FACE MASKS

A peel-off mask is a facial skincare preparation that is spread evenly over the skin and left to dry before being gently removed. It is commonly used to manage concerns such as acne, early signs of aging, fine lines, and clogged pores caused by dirt and excess oil. As the mask dries, it forms a thin layer on the surface of the skin that helps lift away impurities and dead cells when peeled off, leaving the pores clearer and the skin feeling smoother. This temporary covering also supports better skin activity and circulation, giving the face a cleaner, refreshed, and more revitalized appearance. ^[5,6]

Benefits

1. Helps repair and refresh the skin, leaving it with a healthy, hydrated glow.
2. Supports skin toning and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Regular use can quickly enhance the overall look and feel of the skin.
4. Gentle and suitable for all skin types, making it ideal for everyday use.
5. Aids in removing blackheads and clearing away dead skin cells for a cleaner, smoother complexion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials : All herbal ingredients used in the formulation were obtained from a nearby local market. Gram flour was selected as the main active component.

 Fenugreek seeds, neem leaves, dried orange peel, and multani mitti were collected, cleaned, shade-dried where required, and powdered using a mechanical grinder. The powders were passed through a suitable mesh sieve to obtain uniform particle size. Fresh aloe vera leaves were washed thoroughly, and the gel was manually scooped out and filtered to obtain a clear, smooth base. Rose water was procured from a local cosmetic store. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), talc, and other materials used in the preparation and evaluation were of laboratory grade.

1. Gram flour: Gram flour functioned as the primary active ingredient in the formulation. It was incorporated for its natural cleansing, oil-absorbing, and mild exfoliating properties, which help remove impurities and improve overall skin texture. ^[7]

2. Fenugreek powder: Fenugreek powder was added for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Its natural constituents help soothe the skin and support hydration. ^[8]

3. Neem powder: Neem powder was included for its antimicrobial activity. It assists in reducing microbial growth on the skin surface and supports acne control. ^[9]

4. Orange peel powder: Orange peel powder was used as a gentle exfoliating agent. It also contributes to improved skin appearance due to its natural vitamin and antioxidant content. ^[10]

5. Multani mitti: Multani mitti was incorporated for its oil-absorbing and skin-tightening properties, making the formulation suitable for cleansing and refreshing the skin. ^[11]

6. Aloe vera gel: Fresh aloe vera gel served as a soothing and moisturizing base, helping maintain hydration and reducing the chances of irritation during application. ^[12]

7. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): PVA acted as the film-forming polymer responsible for the peel-off effect. It was dissolved in warm distilled water with continuous stirring until a uniform solution formed. ^[13]

8. Talc: Talc was added to improve the smoothness and spreadability of the preparation. ^[14]

9. Rose water: Rose water served as the vehicle and natural fragrance, helping achieve the desired consistency and providing a refreshing feel. ^[15]

METHOD OF PREPARATION

• All the required ingredients were accurately weighed and measured as per the formulation.
• Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added to warm rose water and heated with continuous stirring until a clear, thick solution formed and then allowed to cool.
• Fresh aloe vera gel was mixed with the remaining rose water to obtain a smooth base.
• The cooled PVA solution was slowly combined with the aloe vera mixture with gentle stirring.
• Sieved powders of gram flour, fenugreek, neem, orange peel, and multani mitti along with talc were added gradually with continuous mixing to obtain a uniform gel.
• The final formulation was transferred into clean airtight containers and stored at room temperature for further evaluation.

Table 01 : Formulation of Herbal Peel – Off Face Mask

EVALUATION TESTS

1. Organoleptic Evaluation

The prepared herbal peel-off mask was evaluated for its colour, appearance, consistency, texture, and odour to ensure it was smooth, uniform, pleasant, and suitable for skin application.

• Colour: A small amount of the prepared herbal peel-off mask was placed on a clean white surface to observe its colour.
• Appearance: The formulation was visually examined to ensure it appeared smooth, homogenous, and free from any lumps or visible particles.
• Consistency: A thin layer of the mask was applied on the skin and spread gently to evaluate how easily and evenly it spread during application.
• Texture: A small quantity was rubbed between the fingers to confirm that the mask felt soft, smooth, and non-gritty.
• Odour: The formulation was mixed with a little water and smelled to ensure that it had a mild and pleasant fragrance suitable for topical use.

2. Physicochemical Evaluation

• pH Test

A small amount of the mask was dispersed in a little distilled water and tested using pH strips. The obtained value was compared with a standard chart to confirm that the formulation was within a skin-friendly pH range.

• Spreadability test

About 1 g of the formulation was placed between two clean glass slides. A known weight was applied on the upper slide so that the mask spread evenly between the slides. The distance moved by the upper slide was measured and used to calculate spreadability.

Formula:

Spreadability S=M×LT

L = Length moved by the slide (cm)

T = Time taken (sec)

• Drying Time test

A thin, uniform layer of the mask was applied on the skin and the time required for it to dry completely was recorded.

• Folding Endurance Test

A dried strip of the mask was folded repeatedly at the same point until it broke, and the number of folds was counted to determine the flexibility of the film.

• Peelability test

A uniform layer was applied on the hand, allowed to dry, and then gently peeled off to check whether the film formed properly and peeled smoothly in one piece.

• Washability test

The dried mask was rinsed with plain water to ensure that it could be removed easily without leaving any sticky or oily residue on the skin.

• Skin Irritation test (Patch test)

A small amount of the formulation was applied on the forearm and behind the ear. After a fixed period, the area was observed for redness, itching, swelling, or any irritation to confirm that the formulation was safe for skin application.

RESULTS

1. Organoleptic Parameters

The Physical properties of the Prepared Herbal Peel off mask were evaluated by Colour , Odour , Appearance , Consistency and texture.

Table 02 : Result of Organoleptic properties

B. Physiochemical Parameters

The physicochemical properties of the formulated herbal peel-off mask were evaluated based on the following parameters

Table 03 : Results of Physiochemical Parameters