The Formulation and Evaluation of Poly Herbal Soap for Treatment of Acne and It’s Associated Disorder

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, forming a protective barrier against physical, chemical, and biological hazards. It plays vital roles in thermoregulation, prevention of water loss, sensation, and immune defense. The skin is associated with sebaceous and eccrine glands, which contribute to its physiological functions. ^[1-2]

Skin care products are formulated to cleanse, nourish, and improve skin texture and appearance. Among these, soap is a common cosmetic preparation used to remove sebum, dirt, and environmental pollutants. Herbal soaps, derived from plant-based ingredients, offer a natural alternative to synthetic soaps, which may cause irritation and other adverse effects.

Figure No: 1 Structure of Skin

1.2 Structure and Function of Skin ^[3]

The skin consists of three layers:

• Epidermis: Outermost layer composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. It provides protection and prevents water loss.
• Dermis: Middle layer containing connective tissue, collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, and glands. It provides strength, elasticity, and sensation.
• Hypodermis: Deep layer composed of adipose tissue, responsible for insulation, energy storage, and anchorage.

1.3 Functions of Skin ^[4]

• Protection
• Thermoregulation
• Sensation
• Excretion
• Vitamin D synthesis

1.4 Common Skin Problems ^[5]

• Acne: Caused by blockage of hair follicles due to excess sebum and bacteria
• Skin infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral origin
• Dermatitis: Inflammatory condition (e.g., eczema, contact dermatitis)
• Dry skin (Xerosis): Due to moisture loss
• Pigmentation disorders: Includes hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation Acne Vulgaris complications

Figure No: 2 Types of Acne

1.5 Herbal Soap

Herbal soaps are cosmetic formulations prepared using plant extracts for cleansing and improving skin health. They provide effective cleansing with minimal side effects and are gaining popularity due to increased awareness of the harmful effects of synthetic products. ^[6-7]

• 6. Functions of Soap:
• Cleansing
• Emulsifying
• Deterging
• Solubilizing
• Safe and eco-friendly

1.7 Ideal Characteristics of Herbal Soap

• Effectively remove dirt and excess sebum
• Produce adequate foam
• Be easily washable
• Leave skin soft, smooth, and non-dry
• Provide pleasant fragrance
• Be non-irritant and safe for skin and eye

1.8 Common Skin Problems

• Acne: Caused by blockage of hair follicles due to excess sebum and bacteria
• Skin infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral origin
• Dermatitis: Inflammatory condition (e.g., eczema, contact dermatitis)
• Dry skin (Xerosis): Due to moisture loss
• Pigmentation disorders: Includes hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation

1.9 Benefits of Selected Herbal Ingredients

Neem: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory; effective against acne and infections ^[8-10]

Amla: Rich in vitamin C; improves skin glow, elasticity, and reduces aging ^[13]

Green Tea: Antioxidant; controls oil, reduces acne, and improves complexion ^[11,12]

Liquorice: Skin brightening, anti-inflammatory, reduces pigmentation ^[15]

Orange Peel: Rich in antioxidants; improves skin tone and texture ^[14]

1.10 Herbal Drug used for preparation of herbal soap

5. Aloe vera ^[6,7]

Common Name: Aloe, Burn Aloe

Biological Source: Dried juice of leaves of Aloe barbadensis Mill.

   Figure No: 8 Aloevera gel

Family: Liliaceae

Chemical Constituents: Vitamins (A, C, E, B-complex), enzymes (amylase, lipase), minerals (Ca, Mg, Zn), polysaccharides (glucomannans), lignin, saponins, salicylic acid.

Uses: Scalp health, hair growth, reduce hair loss; topical agent for skin conditions; laxative; pharmaceutical applications.

5. Green Tea ^[11,12]

Common Name: Tea plant

Biological Source: Dried leaves and buds of Camellia sinensis

Family: Theaceae

Chemical Constituents: Polyphenols (catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, ECG, EGCG), alkaloids (caffeine), flavonoids, amino acids.

Uses: Anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, sebum regulation, anti-aging, antioxidant, antimicrobial.

5. Liquorice ^[15]

Common Name: Mulethi, Sweet wood

Biological Source: Dried roots and stolons of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.

Family: Fabaceae

Chemical Constituents: Triterpenoid saponins (glycyrrhizin), flavonoids (liquiritin, isoliquiritin), chalcones.

Uses: Anti-inflammatory, demulcent, expectorant, antimicrobial, antioxidant, skin whitening, depigmentation, wound healing.

5. Amla ^[13]

Common Name: Indian gooseberry, Awla

Biological Source: Dried fruit of Phyllanthus emblica

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Chemical Constituents: Vitamin C, tannins (emblicanin A & B), phenolic compounds (gallic acid, ellagic acid), flavonoids, amino acids.

Uses: Antioxidant, anti-aging, wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory.

5. Orange peel ^[14]

Common Name: Sweet orange

Biological Source: Fresh fruit and peel of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck

Family: Rutaceae

Chemical Constituents: Vitamin C, flavonoids (hesperidin, naringin), phenolic compounds, carotenoids, pectin.

Uses: Antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammatory, wrinkle reduction, skin barrier enhancement, UV protection, pigmenting, wound healing.

5. Neem ^[8-10]

Common Name: Indian lilac

Biological Source: Leaves, seeds, bark, and oil of Azadirachta indica A. Juss.

Family: Meliaceae

Chemical Constituents: Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), alkaloids, terpenoids (azadirachtin), nimbin, nimbidin, glycosides, tannins

Uses: Anti-acne, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, oil control, skin purification, antioxidant, photoprotective, sebum reduction.

Table No.1 Uses of ingredients of herbal soap

2. Material and Methodology

Table No. 2 Quantity taken of ingredients for preparation of herbal soap

Green method for preparation of herbal soap with herbal extract:

Figure No: 9 Extraction of herbs by water maceration

Figure No: 10 Extraction of all herbs

Figure No: 11 Reflux condensation

Figure No: 11 Formation of soap using soap base

A. Aqueous & Ethanolic Maceration - Neem, amla, Aloe Vera,green tea, liquorice

Herbal Drug Powder

        ↓

Add Solvent (Water / 90% Ethanol)

        ↓

Maceration (72 h, Room Temp, Occasional Shaking)

        ↓

Heating (50–60°C, 20 min)

        ↓

Cooling (Room Temperature)

        ↓

Filtration

        ↓

Storage (Amber-Colored Bottle)

B. Reflux Extraction- Orange peel

Herbal Drug Powder

               ↓

Add 70% Ethanol + Porcelain Pieces (in RBF)

             ↓

Reflux Heating (60–70°C, 60 min)

            ↓

Cooling (Room Temperature)

           ↓

Filtration

          ↓

Storage (Amber-Colored Bottle)

C. Preparation of Herbal Soap

Selection of Herbal Extracts

(Neem, Amla, Aloe Vera, Licorice, Orange Peel, Green Tea)

                ↓

Mix Extracts Uniformly

                ↓

Prepare Colored Glycerin

(Glycerin + Red Sandalwood)

               ↓

Melt Soap Base (500 g, Water Bath)

               ↓

Add Colored Glycerin → Mix

              ↓

Cool to 50°C

            ↓

Add Herbal Extracts → Mix Gently

           ↓

Cool to 45°C

          ↓

Add Lavender Oil

          ↓

Pour into Molds

          ↓

Spray Ethanol (Remove Air Bubbles)

          ↓

Keep Undisturbed (24 h, Room Temp) And Demolding & Storage

3. Evaluation parameter of Herbal soap Parameters ^[20-23]

• Physical Appearance:

Soaps were examined for color, odor, texture, smoothness, and foam-producing ability

• pH Determination:

pH was measured using indicator paper by comparing color change with a standard chart.

• Moisture Content:

Soap (10 g) was dried at 115 °C until constant weight.

Moisture Content (%) = (W? − W?) / W? × 100

• Thermal Stability:

Samples were exposed to temperatures above 40 °C and observed for stability.

• Foaming Ability and Stability:

Measured by cylinder shaking method; foam volume recorded initially and after 1 and 4 min.

• Foam Height:

1 g soap in 50 mL water was shaken, and foam height measured; ≥9 cm indicated good quality.

 4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Table No.3 Organoleptic properties of Soap

Table No.4 Foam stability time

Table No.4 Physiochemical and performance evaluation of herbal soap