INTRODUCTION:

1.1.Acne:

Acne is a common chronic sebaceous gland disorder characterised by excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacterial infection (P. acnes, S. epidermis, S. aureus). It affects pilosebaceous units, where increased keratinisation inhibits sebum outflow, resulting in lesions on the face, chest, back, and shoulders.

Acne is common in teenagers and young adults and typically produces scarring, which has a severe influence on emotional and social wellbeing.^1,2,3.

1.2. Epidemiology:

About 9.38% of people of all ages suffer from acne vulgaris, one of the most prevalent skin disorders in the world. According to the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study, it was ranked eighth. Studies indicate that between 35% and almost all teenagers will at some point develop acne, though prevalence varies by nation and age group.^4,5

1.3.Types:

There are several types of acne, such as vulgaris, conglobate, mechanica, rosacea, medicamentosa, chloracne, fulminans, and excoriee; however, acne vulgaris accounts for approximately 99 percent of cases. It manifests as both noninflammatory lesions (comedones), such as closed and open whiteheads, and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts).⁶

Figure 1: Types of acne — non-inflammatory (blackheads, whiteheads) and inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts). Adapted from Healthline, 2023.⁴⁸

1.4.Etiology:

The primary cause of acne is excessive sebum production brought on by the sebaceous glands' hypersensitivity to normal testosterone levels. This causes irritation and encourages the growth of acne, especially when paired with the growth of Cutibacterium acnes.⁷

Proposed Contributing Variables to acne Include:

• Anticonvulsants, steroids, and lithium are among the medications that cause acne.

• Overexposure to sunshine.

• Oil-based makeup, facial massages, and occlusive clothing can all exacerbate acne. Hormonal changes prior to menstruation exacerbate acne in approximately 70% of women due to pilosebaceous duct oedema, while endocrine conditions such as PCOS and pregnancy also play a role.

• With branched fatty acids in sebum exhibiting a heritability of 50–90%, genetic factors play a significant role in acne.

• Acne can worsen due to mechanical damage caused by frequent scrubbing with cleansers or detergent⁸.

• Due to hormones and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in milk, a high milk intake and a high-glycemic diet may cause teenage acne. ^9-12

• There isn’t much proof that eating chocolate makes acne worse.¹³

• Through the release of stress hormones, psychological stress can exacerbate acne.[14,15]

1.5.Pathogenesis of acne [16-20]

One of the main causes of acne is excessive sebum production, which is fuelled by hormones like testosterone and IGF-1.

Dead cells, oil, and debris clog follicles in acne due to excessive keratinocyte growth and poor shedding.

Overgrowth of P. Acnes triggers immune responses that damage follicles, leading to inflammation and the formation of acne lesions.

Figure 2. Pathogenesis of Acne showing increased androgen levels, sebaceous hyperplasia, and comedone formation. Adapted from Mayo Clinic (2023). ⁴⁹

2. Topical drug delivery systems (TDDS):

Typically, topical drug delivery systems (TDDS) use creams, ointments, gels, foams, or transdermal patches to provide drugs directly to the skin for either local or systemic effects. Because they provide tailored action, less side effects, and more patient compliance, they are frequently used to treat skin disorders like psoriasis and acne.^21-22.

1. Advantages of TDDS²³.

1) Avoiding the initial rapid metabolism, it is straightforward to use and convenient.

2) It can easily stop the drug when necessary.

3) It can deliver the medication to a specific spot with good specificity.

4) It avoids gastrointestinal incompatibility.

5) It is possible to increase patient compliance.

6) Permitting the umedication or its excipients.

1) Certain drugs don’t pass easily through the skin.

2) Drugs with larger particle sizes have a harder time getting through the skin. Allergy reactions are possible.

3) This method should not be used for medications that cause skin irritation or sensitisation.

3. Plant Profile:

3.1.1. Moringa olifera:

Moringa oleifera, sometimes known as the drumstick or miracle tree, is a member of the Moringaceae family that grows to a height of 12 meters in tropical and subtropical climates. It originated in South Asia but is now grown all over the world for its nutritional, medicinal, and industrial properties. Almost every part of the plant is helpful, with applications including food, beauty, medicine, water purification, animal feed, and even biodiesel generation.

Moringa oleifera Lam., the most cultivated species in the Moringaceae family, is native to Africa, South Asia, and the sub-Himalayan tracts, and is widely farmed for food and therapeutic purposes. ^25-28

Figure 3. Moringa oleifera tree, leaves, seeds, and flowers) (Source: Adapted from ResearchGate, 2023) 50

3.1.2. Therapeutic Properties of Moringo Olifera:

• Antimicrobial and antifungal properties:

Moringa oleifera has high antibacterial and antifungal activities. Its ethanolic root extract contains N-benzylethyl thioformate, which is effective against a variety of microorganisms and fungi, whilst methanolic leaf extracts can suppress bacterial pathogens that cause urinary tract infections such as E. Coli, K. Pneumoniae, and S. Aureus.²⁹

• Anti-Diabetic Properties:

In animal experiments, moringa leaves and extracts have been shown to have strong antidiabetic effects, lowering blood glucose and improving glucose tolerance.³⁰

• Anti-allergic properties:

By stabilizing mast cells, lowering histamine release, and minimising anaphylactic reactions, ethanolic seed extra.

• Anti-inflammatory properties:

In cell tests, substances such as 4-[2-o-Acetyl-alpha-l-rhamnosyloxy) benzyl] thiocyanate suppress nitric oxide and reduce inflammation, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory properties of Moringa oleifera leaves, pods, flowers, and roots.³²

3.2.Aloe Vera:

The Liliaceae family includes aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), which is indigenous to tropical and arid subtropical areas like South Africa and the southern United States. It has been a part of traditional medical systems including Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Arabian medicine for more than 2,000 years. The Arabic word alloeh, which means glossy, bitter material, is where the term "aloe" originates. Orally, it is used as a laxative, antihelminthic, haemorrhoid therapy, and uterine stimulant. Topically, it has historically been used to treat psoriasis, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, wound healing, migraines, and fever. About 75 bioactive substances, such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, carbohydrates, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids, are found in aloe vera. ^35-38

Figure 4. Aloe vera plant. Source: ResearchGate (2023).⁵⁰

3.2.1.Therapeutic properties of Alovera;

• Moisturizing Properties:

Properties That Moisturize Water and polysaccharides in aloe vera combine to create a gellike layer that keeps moisture in, reduces evaporation, and keeps tissues hydrated.³⁹

• Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiviral Properties:

Strong antibacterial activity is demonstrated by aloe vera gel, which inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and S. faecalis. Acemannan, a crucial ingredient, lowers herpes simplex virus infection and inhibits microbial adherence to human cells, while it also inhibits the growth of Candida albicans^40-41.

• Wound Healing Properties:

Effects of wound healing in a rat model, it was demonstrated that the aloe vera gel polysaccharide acemannan activated macrophages, which enhanced wound healing.^{42- 43}.

4. Other Ingredients used in Formulation

Excipients	Role
Honey	Moisturizing and healing
Carbopol	Viscosity and gel formation
Rosewater	Soothing and freshing
Glycerine	Humectant
Methylparaben	Preservative

5. MATERIAL AND METHODS:

5.1. Collection of Plant Material:

From the herbal garden, leaves were taken from the Moringa oleifera plant. The plant’s health and lack of infection was confirmed. The leaves were properly cleaned and dried after being Washed under running water to get rid of dust and other foreign objects. Enter your desired Changes in this section. Then, use the button below to paraphrase. It really is that simple.

5.2. Extraction Method of Moringa olifera:

Flowers were washed and air dried at room temperature (37ºC) for 14 days. The dried flowers, weighing approximately 75gm, were likewise crushed with an automated blender. M. Oleifera flower was soaked in hydroethanolic solvent ethanol distilled water in an 80:20 ratio for three days under a rotary shaker at room temperature and then let to stand overnight. Following that, the performing greasepaint was immersed in 500 mL 95% ethanol for 72hours at room temperature with continual agitation. The extract was also filtered through Whatman No. 1 sludge paper. The filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporator at 50ºC, yielding semi-solid millions whose weights were measured. The filtrate was then concentrated to blankness in a water bath at 40c. The extracts were also stored in a refrigerator at 4ºC ^44-46.

Figure 5. Preparation and extraction of plant sample (original image by author).

5.3. Extraction methods of Aloe Vera:

The repeatedly washed Aloe vera leaf was sun-dried and then chopped into small pieces using a kitchen knife, mortar and pestle. In a glass beaker, 20g of the fine, homogenized pieces were heated in 100mL of distilled water for 20min at 60°C. The mixture was stirred during heating until the aqueous solution turned light yellow. After cooling, the extract was filtered through Whatman number 1 filter paper to remove solids. The resulting liquid was collected and stored at 4°C ⁴⁷.

Figure 6. Preparation and extraction of aloevera (original image by author)

CONCLUSION:

Acne is a common skin condition caused by excess sebum, abnormal keratinization, bacterial growth, and inflammation. Acne vulgaris is the most prevalent form. Understanding its causes and types is key to effective treatment and management. Topical Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS) provide targeted, user-friendly treatment for skin conditions like acne. Moringa oleifera, rich in bioactive compounds, shows strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies, supporting its potential as a natural remedy for acne. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in humans.

Aloe vera is a versatile medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, offering moisturizing, antimicrobial, and wound-healing benefits. Its key component, acemannan, supports immune and tissue repair functions. Widely used in traditional and modern medicine, Aloe vera holds strong potential for clinical and cosmetic applications.

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Received on 10.12.2025 Revised on 02.02.2026

Accepted on 09.03.2026 Published on 18.04.2026

Available online from April 25, 2026

Research J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 2026; 17(1):77-82.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5844.2026.00013

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.

Sr. No	Plant part	Extract	Phytoconstituents
1.	Leave	Aqueous and alcoholic	Niazirin and Niazirinin – nitrile glycosides,4- [(4′O- acetylalpha- L- rhamnosyloxy) benzyl isothiocyanate, Niaziminin A, and Niaziminin B, three mustard oil glycosides, niaziminin, a thiocarbamate,4-(alpha-1- rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzylglucosinolate, quercetin3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-(6″- Malonyl- glucoside), Niazimicin. Pyrrole alkaloid (pyrrolemarumine 400-O-a-Lrhamnopyranoside) and 40- hydroxyphenylethanamide (marumoside A and B) 4. alpha and gamma-tocopherol.2
2.	Seed	Aqueous and hydro alcoholic	Methionine, cysteine, 4-(alpha-Lrhamnopyranosyloxy) benzylglucosinolate, Moringine, benzylglucosinolate, niazimicin niazirin
3.	Pods	Hydro alcoholic	Isothiocyanate, nitrites, thiocarbamates, O(1heptenyloxy) propyl undecanoate, O-ethyl- 4(alphaL-rhamnosyloxy) benzyl carbamate, methylphydroxybenzoate, beta- sitosterol.
4.	Bark	Alcoholic	4- (alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzylgiucosinolate.
5.	Flowers	Hydro alcoholic	D-glucose, quercetin, isoquercetin, kaemopherol, kaempferitin and ascorbic acid, protein, Dmannose.