GoldenShield: A Petal-Powered Antioxidant Cream

Preparation of Herbal Face herbal creams:

Step 1: Preparation of Oil Phase (Phase A)

All lipophilic components, including Emulsifying Wax (5.0%), Shea Butter (3.0%), Cetearyl Alcohol (2.0%), Jojoba Oil (2.0%), and Carrot Oil (2.0%), were accurately weighed and transferred into a clean 250 mL borosilicate beaker. The mixture was heated on a thermostatically controlled water bath to 75°C. Heating was continued until all waxes and butters were completely melted and a clear, homogenous oily liquid was obtained. Turmeric(0.2%) is extracted in oil phase because in oil phase turmeric is not leave any stain. Vitamin E (0.5%) was added to this phase just before emulsification to prevent prolonged heat exposure.

Step 2: Preparation of Aqueous Phase (Phase B)

In a separate beaker, Distilled Water (61.5%) , Glycerin (5.0%), Marigold Extract (3.0%),Aloevera Gel (10.0%), , Hibiscus flower Extract (3.0%), and Green Tea Extract (3.0%)were mixed and heated to the same temperature of 75°C. Maintaining an identical temperature between both phases is critical to prevent the premature crystallization of waxes during the mixing process.

Step 3: Emulsification (Formation of the Base)

The heated Aqueous Phase (Phase B) was added slowly, in a continuous stream, to the Oil Phase (Phase A) while maintaining constant high-speed stirring (approx. 1200–1500 rpm) using a mechanical stirrer or a glass rod. The high-shear mixing facilitates the reduction of oil globule size, leading to the formation of a stable Oil-in-Water (O/W) emulsion. Stirring was continued as the mixture gradually cooled.

Step 4: Integration of Herbal Actives (Phase C)

Once the emulsion temperature dropped to 45°C – 50°C (the “warm” stage), the bioactive herbal components – Aloe Vera Gel (10.0%), Marigold Extract (3.0%), Green Tea Extract (3.0%), and Hibiscus Extract (3.0%) – were introduced. Turmeric Powder (0.2%) was pre-dispersed in a small amount of glycerin to avoid clumping and then incorporated into the bulk. This temperature-sensitive addition ensures that the phytochemical constituents (flavonoids, polyphenols) do not undergo thermal degradation.

Step 5: Cool-Down and Preservation (Phase D)

As the lotion reached the cool-down stage (below 40°C), the preservative Phenoxyethanol (0.8%) and Fragrance (0.5%) were added. Stirring was maintained at a lower speed until the formulation reached room temperature, resulting in a smooth, uniform, and aesthetically pleasing poly-herbal moisturizing lotion

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

1. Physical Inspection:

The formulated herbal cream was evaluated for colour, odour, and consistency. The colour was assessed visually and found to be pale orange, characteristic of marigold extract. The odour of the cream was pleasant due to the addition of sandalwood fragrance. The physical state of the formulation was examined visually and observed to be semisolid in nature, suitable for topical application. Consistency was evaluated by manual application on the skin, and the formulation exhibited a smooth, non-greasy, and easily spreadable texture, indicating good emulsification and stability.

2. Determination of pH:

The pH of the Orange Marigold flower cream was determined using a calibrated digital pH meter. For analysis, 1 mL of the sample was diluted with 9 mL of distilled water to obtain a uniform dispersion. The pH electrode was then immersed in the prepared sample, and the pH value was recorded after the reading stabilized, (Nuraini, A., & Naila, F. (2025).

The measurement was carried out in triplicate to ensure accuracy and reproducibility, and the mean pH value was calculated. The average pH of the formulation was found to be 5.3, which falls within the acceptable range for topical skin applications, indicating its suitability for use on the skin.

3. Phase Separation:

The prepared Cream was transferred in a suitable wide mouth container. Set aside for storage the oil phase and aqueous phase separation were visualizing after 24h.

4. Washability:

Formulation was applied on the skin and then ease extends of washing with water was checked.

5. After feel:

Emolliency, slipperiness, and the amount of residue left after applying a fixed quantity of cream were evaluated, and the formulation was found to leave the skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

6. Irritancy test:

Herbal Cream formulation was evaluated for the non-irritancy test. Preparation shown no redness, inflammation and irritancy. Observation of the state was done for 24 h.

7. Test for Anthocyanins:

Approximately 1 mL of the formulated cream was taken in a test tube and diluted with 5 mL of distilled water to obtain a uniform solution. Subsequently, 2–3 drops of dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution were added slowly using a dropper, and the mixture was gently stirred with a glass rod, (Thuy, N. M., et al..(2021). The solution retained its characteristic colour, indicating the presence of anthocyanins derived from flower extract in the formulation.

8. Phytochemical Screening of Herbal cream:

1. Detection of Flavonoids (Alkaline Reagent Test):

The presence of flavonoids was assessed using the alkaline reagent test. The extract was treated with a few drops of sodium hydroxide solution, resulting in the formation of an intense yellow coloration. Upon the subsequent addition of dilute acid, the yellow colour disappeared, confirming the presence of flavonoids in the formulation.

2. Detection of Phenols (Ferric Chloride Test):

Phenolic compounds were detected using the ferric chloride test. The extract was treated with 3–4 drops of ferric chloride solution. The appearance of a cream’s solution indicated the presence of phenolic compounds.

3. Detection of Terpenoids (Salkowski Test)

The Salkowski test was carried out to determine the presence of terpenoids in the herbal formulation. Approximately 2 mL of the extract was mixed with chloroform, followed by the careful addition of concentrated sulfuric acid along the wall of the test tube to form a distinct lower layer. The development of a reddish-brown ring at the junction of the two layers indicated the presence of terpenoid compounds.

d)    Detection of Saponins (Foam Test):

Saponins were evaluated using the foam test. Approximately 0.5 g of the extract was shaken vigorously with 2 mL of distilled water. The formation of persistent foam lasting for about 10 minutes confirmed the presence of saponins.

The results of the phytochemical screening revealed that flavonoids, phenols, and saponins were present in the Formulation of Herbal Antioxidant Cream, indicating its rich phytochemical composition.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study demonstrate that GoldenShield, a polyherbal skin cream formulated with Tagetes erecta, Aloe vera, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Camellia sinensis, Curcuma longa, and Santalum album oil, possesses desirable qualities for topical skincare applications. Phytochemical investigations confirmed the presence of important secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, terpenoids, and santalol, which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-conditioning activities. The combination of these herbal ingredients provides a natural approach to skin nourishment, protection, and regeneration.

The formulated cream exhibited satisfactory physicochemical properties, including uniform consistency, appropriate pH, good spreadability, ease of washability, and physical stability throughout the evaluation period. These characteristics indicate that the formulation is suitable for topical use and has the potential to serve as an effective herbal cosmetic. Although the preliminary results are encouraging, further studies involving long-term stability, microbiological quality assessment, dermatological safety, and clinical evaluation are necessary to validate its therapeutic performance and support its future development as a commercially viable natural skincare product.

GoldenShield: A Petal-Powered Antioxidant Cream