Abstract

PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF KALMEGH (ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA) BASED HERBAL FACE WASH OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ACNE VULGARIS

Miss Deepa*

ABSTRACT

The increasing awareness regarding the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals has led to a growing demand for herbal cosmetic products. Herbal face wash formulations are widely used for cleansing the skin, removing dirt, excess oil, and microorganisms, while maintaining the natural moisture and pH balance of the skin. The present project work focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal face wash using Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), a medicinal plant known for its therapeutic properties.Kalmegh is extensively used in traditional systems of medicine and is reported to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying activities. These properties make it a suitable herbal ingredient for skin care formulations, particularly for the management of acne, pimples, and skin infections. In the present study, the extract of Kalmegh was prepared and incorporated into a gel-based herbal face wash formulation along with other excipients such as aloe vera, glycerin, surfactants, preservatives, and purified water to enhance cleansing action and skin compatibility. The formulated herbal face wash was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including appearance, color, odor, pH, viscosity, foamability, spreadability, homogeneity, and stability studies. The pH of the formulation was found to be within the acceptable range for topical application, indicating that it is suitable for daily skin use. The formulation showed good foamability, uniform consistency, and adequate spreadability, which are essential characteristics for consumer acceptance. Stability studies carried out under different storage conditions revealed no significant changes in physical properties, indicating good stability of the formulation. The results obtained from the evaluation studies suggest that the formulated herbal face wash containing Andrographis paniculata is safe, effective, and skin-friendly. The study concludes that Kalmegh-based herbal face wash can be considered a promising natural alternative to synthetic face wash products and has potential for further research and commercial development.

Keywords: Herbal face wash, Kalmegh, Andrographis paniculata, Herbal cosmetics, Skin care.