1. INTRODUCTION:

Nowadays, skincare has moved into the mainstream as an important aspect of taking care of oneself with facial cleaners being one of the most common products. Among these, the foaming face washes are arguably the most commonly used due to their self-cleaning action and convenient usage. The key benefits are the ease with which foam-based face cleaners are used to remove a great number of impurities, grease and dust particles from the skin strong enough not to irritate the skin while still being enjoyable as a cleaning process. Nevertheless, consumers are now more educated than before about the risks associated with using synthetic components; therefore, the number of people seeking natural and environment-friendly options in cosmetics has increased significantly. These days, a new consumer mindset is formed aiming for not only effective but also harmless, natural-based products that care for skin and are biodegradable.^1–3

The global shift toward sustainable and naturally derived skincare has driven a transformation in cosmetic formulations. Many commercial face washes contain synthetic surfactants, preservatives, and artificial fragrances, which can cause skin irritation or environmental harm^3–5. The shift in consumer preferences emphasizes the importance of developing formulations that exclude harsh chemicals, relying instead on natural ingredients with known skin benefits. Among the many plant-based oils available, hazelnut oil stands out due to its unique composition and beneficial properties for skincare. Hazelnut oil, rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, is known for its ability to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. Its mild, non-comedogenic nature makes it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and oily skin, making it an excellent candidate for natural face wash formulations.^4–6 The difficulty lies in formulating oil in water based, foaming formula with oil-based formulation. Microemulsions have been identified as one of the feasible routes for formulating using clear, thermodynamically stable systems that enable effective dispersion of oils in water. Potential stabilization of the formulations, optimization of delivery of active ingredients and clarity of the final product are highly desirable effects in cosmetic formulations. In the case of face wash formulation, hazelnut oil microemulsion would enable an incorporation of oil into the formulation with no compromise on the quality and stability of the foam, which is crucial for efficacious cleansing as well as for consumer acceptability. ^2,7,8

Development of a foaming face wash based on hazelnut oil microemulsion requires careful consideration in surfactant selection. Synthetic surfactants are often producing rich stable foam but are too aggressive to the skin and less-friendly to the environment. The alternative is presented by natural surfactants, which have their origins in plant sources and meet the demands of the increasingly eco-conscious consumer. Surfactants can help achieve the required foaming effect without compromising mildness for skin types sensitive to surfactants,^5,9 Herbal cosmetics are prepared by the association of bioactive ingredients and pharmaceutical products. The presence of number of photochemical and botanicals in the herbal products have dual significance, one that they are used as cosmetics for body care and another that photochemical improve the biological functions of human body naturally results in healthy skin. As the realization said that the chemical medicines are not always work as magic bullets and they may have side effects. The current trend moves toward the herbalism and use of natural products.^6,8–11

The objective of this research is to formulate and characterize a natural foaming face wash that incorporates hazelnut oil microemulsion, providing an alternative to synthetic formulations. This study will focus on optimizing the formulation for stability, foam quality, and skin compatibility, ensuring it meets the standards for consumer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. Key aspects of characterization include assessing the foam stability, consistency, droplet size of the microemulsion, by exploring these aspects, this research aims to demonstrate that natural ingredients, combined with innovative formulation techniques like microemulsions, can create effective, sustainable skincare products. Through the development of this hazelnut oil-based foaming face wash, we contribute to the growing body of research dedicated to eco-friendly personal care solutions that prioritize both consumer health and environmental well-being.

2. MATERIAL AND METHOD:

The hazelnut oil was procured from a local market. The emulsifier, castor oil ethoxylate, Decyl Glucoside, Ehylhexyl Glycerine, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, was generously provided as a gift by Rossari Biotech Ltd. All reagents employed in the experiment were of analytical grade and utilized without further purification.

2.1 Method:

2.2 Microemulsion of Hazelnut oil ⁸

The microemulsion was prepared following the method described by Harshal Patil et al⁸. The preparation involved using a mixture of castor oil ethoxylate and hazelnut oil, which was titrated with water to construct pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. From these diagrams, formulations were selected for further analysis. The final blend chosen for application had particles smaller than 200 nm.

2.3 Formulation and Manufacturing Method of Foam based Face cleaner formulation:

Table 1- Formulation of Face cleaner

Sr.no	Raw Material	F -1	F-2	F-3	Function of ingredients
1	Water	58.5	53.5	53.5	Carrier
2	Rose Water	30	30	30	Cleaner
3	Citric acid	0.4	0.4	0.4	pH adjustor
4	Sodium citrate	1	1	1	pH adjustor
5	Hazelnut oil microemulsion (MH0-1)	0	5	0	Active
6	Hazelnut oil microemulsion (MHO-2)	0	0	5	Active
7	Alkyl polyglucoside	5	5	5	surfactant
8	Cocamidopropyl betaine	3	3	3	surfactant
9	Glycerine	1	1	1	Humectant
10	Ehylhexyl Glycerine	0.5	0.5	0.5	Preservative
11	Phenoxyethanol	0.5	0.5	0.5	Preservative
12	Lavender essential oil	0.1	0.1	0.1	Perfume
	TOTAL	100	100	100

The face cleanser was manufactured using a simple blending process utilizing a magnetic stirrer. The manufacturing process began by adding purified water to a glass beaker, followed by rose water under continuous stirring at 200 RPM. Sodium citrate and citric acid were then incorporated into the mixture and stirred until completely dissolved. Surfactants were added sequentially to ensure proper dispersion. Following this, glycerine was introduced to the mixture, succeeded by the addition of hazelnut oil microemulsion. After thorough mixing, preservatives were incorporated into the formulation. The pH was measured and adjusted to maintain a range between 6.0-7.0. Finally, fragrance was added and the mixture was stirred until homogeneous.

2.4 Evaluation of Foam based face cleaner Formulation and Hazelnut oil Microemulsions

A. The homogeneity, clarity, and optical transparency of microemulsions were studied by visual examination on a black background at room temperature.⁸

B. pH- The pH levels of different formulations were assessed at ambient temperature (25 °C) using a pH meter (Equiptronics microcontroller pH meter model EQ 621 India).

C. Particle size:- The evaluation the particle size of the microemulsion formulations were analysed using a Mastersizer 3000 Hydro (Malvern Pan analytical, Worcestershire, UK) at room temperature.⁸

D. Electrical conductivity: The optimized microemulsion's electrical conductivity was assessed concurrently at 25°C using a conductivity meter LMCM20 (Labman Scientific Instruments Pvt. Ltd, India). The phase system of the optimized microemulsion was determined based on its electrical conductivity.

E. Washability: The washability of the facewash tablet was determined by applying the formulation on the skin and washed with water and checked manually^12–15

F. Foaming and Foaming Stability (IS 5785-3 standards.): - The foaming characteristics of formulation were evaluated using the Ross Miles method at room temperature, in accordance with IS 5785-3 standards.

G. Irritancy test: Skin irritation test is an essential for formulating pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals. The formulation was applied on left hand dorsal skin surface of 1 sq.cm and observed in time interval 1-2 hours for Irritancy andredness ^12–14

H. Stability Study of Formulation:

The sample is put in stability chamber with controlled temperature and humidity of class IV climatic conditions as recommended by ICH guidelines. The temperature was maintained at a range of40 °C ± 2 °C/75% and RH ± 5% for 2 months.

Table 5 Stability data of Formulation (1 months)

Stability Study At 4°C, 25°C, 40°C, for 1 Months
Sr. No	Physicochemical properties	F-1	F-2	F-3
1	Appearance	No Change	No Change	No Change
2	Colour	No Change	No Change	No Change
3	Odour	No Change	No Change	No Change
4	pH (as Such)	6.62	6.68	6.64

Table 6 Stability data of Formulation (2 months).

Stability Study At 4°C, 25°C, 40°C, for 2 Months
Sr. No	Physicochemical Prop erties	F-1	F-2	F-3
1	Appearance	No Change	No Change	No Change
2	Colour	No Change	No Change	No Change
3	Odour	No Change	No Change	No Change
4	pH (as Such)	6.62	6.68	6.64

Table 7 Irritation Study of formulation.

Sr. No	Parameter	F-1	F-2	F-3
1	Itching	Not Observe	Not Observe	Not Observe
2	Irritation	Not Observe	Not Observe	Not Observe

Table 8 Foaming and Washability Study of Formulation.

Sr. No	Parameter	F-1	F-2	F-3
1	Washability	OK	OK	OK
2	Foaming Height (mm)	35	38	36
	Foaming Stability (%)	93 %	94 %	92 %

4. DISCUSSION:

The hazelnut oil microemulsion was successfully formulated using castor oil ethoxylate 40 moles as the surfactant phase, without requiring any cosolvent. Using the water titration method, two distinct microemulsion formulations were developed: an oil-in-water system (MHO-1) and a water-in-oil system (MHO-2). Both formulations achieved particle sizes below 200 nm, a critical parameter for microemulsion stability. The significant difference in electrical conductivity between MHO-1 (179 mS/m) and MHO-2 (14.3 mS/m) confirmed their distinct microemulsion types. The achieved nano-range particle sizes support uniform application and enhanced skin penetration, potentially optimizing the delivery of hazelnut oil's beneficial components.

Three face wash formulations were developed to evaluate the impact of hazelnut oil microemulsion incorporation: a control formulation without microemulsion (F-1) and two formulations containing different microemulsion types (F-2 and F-3). Notably, the addition of microemulsion did not adversely affect the essential physicochemical properties of the formulations. All three formulations maintained comparable characteristics in terms of viscosity, pH stability, color and odor consistency, foaming capacity, foam stability, and washing effectiveness. The formulations demonstrated exceptional stability during two-month testing across various temperature conditions, maintaining their initial characteristics throughout the study period. The natural surfactant system proved particularly effective, successfully maintaining product stability while delivering efficient cleansing action. Safety assessments revealed no skin irritation or adverse reactions, confirming the formulations' suitability for regular use. This successful integration of natural ingredients while preserving product performance validates the viability of eco-friendly alternatives in skincare formulations. Furthermore, the consistent stability of the microemulsions suggests effective encapsulation of hazelnut oil's beneficial properties, ensuring their preservation throughout the product's shelf life. The skin irritation studies demonstrated no adverse reactions across all formulations, confirming their safety for topical application. The preservation of desired characteristics in microemulsion-containing formulations (F-2 and F-3) compared to the control (F-1) validates the successful integration of hazelnut oil microemulsion into a foam-based cleansing system without compromising product performance or stability.

5. CONCLUSION:

This research developed a natural foaming face wash containing hazelnut oil microemulsion. Two microemulsion formulations, MHO-1 and MHO-2, achieved ideal particle sizes under 200 nm and showed distinct electrical properties confirming their oil-in-water and water-in-oil structures. When incorporated into face wash, the hazelnut oil microemulsion improved skin conditioning while maintaining essential product attributes. Three face wash variants (F-1, F-2, F-3) were tested over two months at different temperatures. All showed consistent performance in physical and chemical stability, foam quality, and cleansing effectiveness. The natural surfactants provided gentle yet thorough cleansing without causing skin irritation. This study demonstrates the potential for developing effective natural skincare using hazelnut oil microemulsions. The formulation successfully balanced environmental sustainability with performance and skin compatibility. Further research opportunities include extended stability testing, manufacturing scale-up, and clinical studies. The study shows that it is possible to create natural alternatives to synthetic face wash formulations without compromising on performance or stability. Further studies could explore long-term stability and clinical efficacy of these formulations. This research contributes significantly to the field of natural cosmetic formulation and provides a framework for developing similar products in the future.

6. REFERENCE:

1. Vaidya DA, Patil A, Tavkar K, Raiturkar V. Cosmetic Consumption Amongst the Youth In India. 2023;10(11).

2. Khan MY, Gupta P, Bihari B, Sharma VK, Aziz I. A Review- Miracle of Nanotechnology in Cosmetics. Published Online 2014.

3. Bhandari S, Ghorpade P, Garje S. Comprehensive on face wash. Int Res J Mod Eng Technol Sci. 2023; 6(3): 2277-2284.

4. Manoj N Wavhale, Amol Shriram Kawle. Review Article on Formulation and Evaluation of Face Wash. Int J Adv Res Sci Commun Technol. 2024: 205-210. doi:10.48175/IJARSCT-18634

5. Neelima G, Raul SK, Kranthi J, Sandeep S. Formulation and Evaluation of Sun Protection Factor of Poly Herbal Sunscreen Cream. Res J Top Cosmet Sci. 2016; 7(1): 9. doi:10.5958/2321-5844.2016.00002.9

6. Pathak DV, Shukla S. Formulation of face wash using natural herbs. 2022; 7(7).

7. Patil H, Waghmare J. Green Microemulsions: Sustainable Approaches and Emerging Industrial Applications. 2024; 4(10).

8. Kumawat R, Patil H, Waghmare J. Unlocking the Potential of Hazelnut oil: Formulation and Characterization of a Novel Microemulsion for Enhanced Applications. Res J Sci Technol. 2024:119-124. doi:10.52711/2349-2988.2024.00018

9. Solanki H, Verma VS, Sharma M, et al. Natural humectants in formulation of calamine lotion: Its evaluation and comparison. Res J Top Cosmet Sci. 2016; 7(2): 41. doi:10.5958/2321-5844.2016.00007.8

10. Pawar DN, Pawar AP, Dalvi YV. Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Scrub Gel. Res J Top Cosmet Sci. 2019; 10(1): 13. doi:10.5958/2321-5844.2019.00004.9

11. Talpekar P, Borikar M. Formulation, development and comparative study of facial scrub using synethetic and natural exfoliant. Res J Top Cosmet Sci. 2016; 7(1): 1. doi:10.5958/2321-5844.2016.00001.7

12. Devaraj S, Radhakrishnan A, Kothandan S, et al. Formulation and evaluation of consumer friendly facewash tablet. Res J Pharm Technol. 2021;14(2):838-842. doi:10.5958/0974-360X.2021.00148.7

13. Ghotkar MN, Kharade SS, Chavan RS, Jadhav RS, Jagtap NM, Vambhurkar GB. Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Facewash for Acne. Asian J Pharm Anal. 2018; 8(4): 183. doi:10.5958/2231-5675.2018.00033.9

14. LKM, KPN. Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Anti-acne Foaming Face Wash. Int J Multidiscip Res. 2023; 5(5): 7256. doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i05.7256

15. Surabhi Vasant Gandole, Bhavana Dnyandeo Tambe. Formulation and evaluation of anti-acne herbal face wash. Int J Sci Res Arch. 2024; 11(2): 1660-1667. doi:10.30574/ijsra.2024.11.2.0614

Received on 12.11.2024 Revised on 15.05.2025

Accepted on 03.09.2025 Published on 30.10.2025

Available online from November 08, 2025

Research J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 2025; 16(2):86-90.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5844.2025.00014

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

Sr.no	Formulation	Surfactant	Surfactant	Oil	water	Total
1	MH0-1	Castor oil ethoxylate 30 moles	26.307	1.386	72.307	100
2	MHO-2	Castor oil ethoxylate 30 moles	60.264	15.066	24.67	100

Sr.no	Formulation	Microemulsion type	pH	Density	Viscosity	Conductivity	Particle	Stability
				Kg/m3	CPS	mS/m	Size nm
1	MH0-1	O/W	6.96	1.021	42	179	130	Yes
2	MHO-2	W/O	7.50	1.051	134	14.3	120	Yes

Sr.no	Physicochemical Properties	F-1	F-2	F-3
1	Appearance	Clear Liquid	Clear Liquid	Clear Liquid
2	Colour	Colourless liquid	Colourless liquid	Colourless liquid
3	Odour	Characteristics Lavender	Characteristics Lavender	Characteristics Lavender
4	pH (as Such)	6.60	6.70	6.65
5	Viscosity 25 ⁰C (cps)	10	11	9
6	Density 25 ⁰C (kg/m³)	0.998	1.001	1.002