INTRODUCTION:

Acne vulgaris is a widespread chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the pilosebaceous units, predominantly on the face, chest, and back. It is most prevalent during adolescence, though it can persist or even arise in adulthood. Clinically, acne presents as comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, often leading to scarring and psychological distress in severe cases. The primary factors contributing to acne pathogenesis include excessive sebum production, follicular hyper keratinization, proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), and inflammatory response^1,6. Conventional treatment regimens typically involve topical and systemic agents such as retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and hormonal therapies. However, long-term use of these treatments may lead to adverse effects like skin irritation, dryness, microbial resistance, and high costs (Vaughn et al., 2016). These challenges have fostered increasing interest in herbal alternatives that offer safer, multi-targeted therapeutic effects. Polyherbal formulations, which utilize the synergistic benefits of multiple medicinal plants, are especially promising in acne management. Such formulations can exert a combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing actions. In this research, five medicinal plants were selected based on traditional usage and pharmacological evidence: Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). These ingredients are known to combat C. acnes, reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and prevent post-acne pigmentation^1,2,3,4,5,6. To enhance the formulation’s effectiveness, a dual gelling system comprising Sodium Alginate and Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) was employed. Sodium Alginate provides hydration and structural integrity, while CMC improves viscosity and spreadability, ensuring better skin adherence and user comfort⁷. The goal of this study is to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal anti-acne gel using these natural ingredients and dual gelling agents. The formulation aims to provide a safe, effective, and cosmetically acceptable topical treatment for acne vulgaris with minimal side effects.

Advantages of Polyherbal Gel:

1. Multi-action formulation: Provides antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects.

2. Fewer side effects: Safer for long-term use with minimal irritation or resistance.

3. Synergistic effect: Combined herbal ingredients enhance overall therapeutic efficacy.

4. Skin-friendly pH: Maintains skin’s natural pH (around 5.84), reducing irritation.

5. Improved texture and stability: Dual gelling agents offer better spreadability and consistency.

6. Eco-friendly: Natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

EXTRACTION OF HERBAL INGREDIENTS:

Extraction of Aloe vera: (3G for 100G gel)⁷

Procedure:

1. Collection and Cleaning: Harvest fresh, mature Aloe vera leaves. Wash thoroughly with Water to remove dirt and impurities

2. Peeling: Use a knife to cut off the edges and peel away the outer green skin to extract the Transparent gel inside.

3. Blending: Collect the clear gel and blend it into a smooth, uniform liquid using a blender.

4. Filtration: Filter the blended gel using a muslin cloth or strainer to remove pulp or fibre, Obtaining a clear extract.

5. Concentration: Heat the filtered extract in a water bath at 40–50°C to reduce the water Content and concentrate the gel.

6. Preservation: Add a preservative like phenoxyethanol (0.2%) if the extract is to be Stored for future use.¹⁰

7. Storage: Store the extract in a sterilized amber glass container at 4°C if not used Immediately.¹¹

8. Yield and Quantity: Fresh Aloe vera yields approximately 10–15% extract by weight.

9. For 3g of extract, use 30–50g of fresh leaves.

Extraction of Tulsi (1G for 100G gel):

Procedure:

1. Preparation: Collect 10–15g of fresh or dried Tulsi leaves. Wash thoroughly with Distilled water to remove dirt.

2. Grinding: Crush the leaves into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle or grinder.

3. Boiling: Add the ground leaves to 100mL of distilled water in a beaker. Heat the mixture at 80°C for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

4. Cooling and Filtration: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Filter through Muslin cloth or fine filter paper to obtain a clear extract.¹⁴

5. Concentration: Heat the filtrate in a water bath at 40–50°C to reduce its volume and concentrate the extract.¹⁵

Extraction of Turmeric from turmeric powder:

Procedure:

i. Weighing: Take 10g of turmeric powder.

ii. Solvent Addition: Add 100mL of 70% ethanol or distilled water to the turmeric powder in a beaker.

iii. Stirring: Stir the mixture thoroughly for uniform dispersion.¹⁷

iv. Heating: If using heat, place the mixture in a water bath at 40–50°C for about 30–60 Minutes to enhance extraction. Avoid boiling.¹⁸

v. Filtration: Filter the mixture using muslin cloth or filter paper to separate the liquid Extract from undissolved solids.

vi. Concentration: To concentrate the extract, evaporate excess solvent by gentle heating or under reduced pressure until a thicker consistency is achieved.

vii. Storage: Store the extract in an airtight, sterilized amber glass container at 4°C.^19,20

Extraction of Neem (2G for 100G):

Procedure:

1. Preparation: Take 10–15g of fresh or dried Neem leaves. Wash thoroughly with Distilled water to remove dirt and debris.

2. Grinding: Crush the Neem leaves into a paste using a mortar and pestle or grinder.

3. Boiling: Add the paste to 100mL of distilled water in a beaker. Heat at 80°C for 30–45Minutes while stirring occasionally.²²

4. Cooling and Filtration: Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Filter through muslin Cloth or fine filter paper to obtain a clear liquid extract.²³

Gel Formulation Procedure:

Table 2: Batch-wise Formulation Composition of Polyherbal Anti-Acne Gel

S. No.	Ingredients	Quantity per 100 g			Function
S. No.	Ingredients	F1	F2	F3	Function
1	Sodium Alginate	5 g	5 g	5 g	Primary Gelling Agent
2	Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)	–	0.6 g	1.0 g	Secondary Gelling Agent
3	Glycerin	3 g	3 g	3 g	Moisturizer, Plasticizer
4	Propylene Glycol	2 g	2 g	2 g	Humectant, Solvent
5	Methyl Paraben	0.3 g	0.3 g	0.3 g	Preservative
6	Neem Extract	1 g	1 g	1 g	Antibacterial, Anti-acne Agent
7	Tulsi Extract	1 g	1 g	1 g	Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant
8	Aloe Vera Extract	3 g	3 g	3 g	Skin Soothing, Healing Agent
9	Turmeric Extract	0.5 g	0.5 g	0.5 g	Antimicrobial, Anti-acne
10	Tea Tree Oil	0.5 g	0.5 g	0.5 g	Antibacterial, Antiseptic
11	Citric Acid Solution (10%)	q.s.	q.s.	q.s.	pH Adjuster (to adjust pH (5.5–6))
12	Distilled Water	q.s.	q.s.	q.s.	Vehicle/Base (q.s. to 100 g total)

[A] Sodium Alginate Base Preparation:

1. Start by taking a clean 250ml beaker and pour in 85g of distilled water.

2. Weigh out 5g of sodium alginate separately.[24]

3. Place the beaker on a hot plate with a magnetic stirrer and heat it to around 45–50°C.

4. Insert the stir bar and begin stirring at a low speed, gradually increasing too medium.

5. Wearing gloves, gently sprinkle the sodium alginate into the warm, stirring water.

6. Tip: You might notice some lumps forming initially, but don’t worry—they’ll Dissolve as you keep stirring.

7. Once all the sodium alginate is added, continue stirring for another 10minutes to Ensure a smooth, uniform base.

[B] Preparing the Secondary Gelling Base:

1. In a separate container, mix 10g of water with 0.6g of carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) to form a gel base.

2. Stir well, then add:

3. 3g of glycerine (for moisture and smooth texture)

4. 2g of propylene glycol (as a humectant)

5. To preserve the formulation, mix in 0.3g of methyl paraben

(“The use of a dual-agent gelling process is the unique selling point of this Project, offering enhanced performance and innovation compared to Conventional methods.”)

[C] Preparing the Active Phase:

1. In another beaker, measure the following natural extracts:

a) 1g neem extract

b) 1g Tulsi extract

c) 1g aloe vera extract

d) 0.5g turmeric extract

e) 0.5g tea tree oil

ii. Slowly combine this active phase and the secondary gel (from step B) into the sodium Alginate base (from step A). Add gradually while stirring.

2. Continue stirring until you get a smooth, even-textured gel. If the mixture feels too Thin, add a little more CMC (around 0.4 g) to thicken it.

3. To finish, prepare a pH adjustment solution by mixing 1 g of citric acid in 10 ml of Water.

4. Add this solution dropwise while monitoring the pH. Adjust until the final pH is Between 5.5 and 6.²⁵.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

The formulated polyherbal anti-acne gel was evaluated for a range of physicochemical, stability, and biological parameters to assess its suitability as a topical preparation.

5.1 Physical Appearance:

All three batches were light yellowish-brown in color and exhibited smooth, homogeneous textures. Among them, Batch F3 showed the most stable and uniform consistency without signs of lumping or phase separation.

Figure 2: Weighing of the polyherbal gel formulation showing uniform texture and appearance.

Figure 3: Filling of the prepared polyherbal antiacne gel into storage container, indicating homogeneity and pourability.

5.2 pH Measurement:

The pH of all three batches was measured and found within the skin-friendly range of 5.5–6.5. Batch F3 recorded a pH of 5.84, suitable for topical use on acne-prone skin. Maintaining pH in this range is essential to avoid irritation and ensure skin barrier protection. The result confirms the gel is suitable for topical application on acne-prone skin.

Figure 4: Measurement of pH of the polyherbal antiacne gel using a digital pH meter.

· As shown in Table 1, the viscosity increased with CMC concentration. F1 (alginate-only) showed poor viscosity (~3500 mPa.s), while F2 (0.6% CMC) was moderately thick. The final batch (F3) with 1.0% CMC achieved optimal viscosity (~5100 mPa.s), demonstrating structural integrity suitable for topical application.

· This confirms the synergistic role of dual gelling agents in enhancing gel consistency.

Figure 5: Viscosity measurement of initial formulation with Sodium Alginate showing suboptimal consistency.

Figure 6: Viscosity measurement of final optimized gel (F3) after addition of CMC, indicating improved texture and spreadability.

5.4 Irritation Test (Patch Test):

A patch test conducted using Batch F3 showed no signs of erythema, itching, or swelling after 24 hours, confirming that the formulation is non-irritant and dermatologically safe for topical use.

Figure 7: Application of 0.5 g of polyherbal gel on the forearm of a human volunteer for patch testing.

Figure 8: Spreading of the gel during the irritation test to observe any signs of erythema, itching, or swelling.

5.5 Spreadability:

Spreadability is a critical parameter for assessing the ease of gel application on the skin. It was evaluated by placing 1g of gel between two glass slides and applying a 100g weight. The time taken for the upper slide to move a fixed distance was recorded, and the spreadability was calculated using the formula:

Table 4: Batch-wise Spreadability Evaluation

Spreadability (S) = (Weight × Diameter) / Time
Batch	Weight (g)	Diameter (cm)	Time (sec)	Spreadability (g·cm/sec)
F1	100	7.1	25	28.4
F2	100	6.5	25	26.0
F3	100	6.2	25	24.8

Interpretation:

Batch F1 had the highest spreadability due to its low viscosity, but it lacked structural integrity. Batch F3, with optimized gelling agents, showed a balanced spreadability and better consistency, making it more suitable for topical application.

5.6 Syneresis (Stability Test):

Batch F3 was stored at 4°C and 40°C for 48hours to assess stability. No phase separation or syneresis was observed at 4°C. At 40°C, only a negligible amount of surface water (<2%) appeared, indicating good thermodynamic stability.

5.7 Gel Strength:

The gel exhibited moderate strength, with the penetration force test indicating sufficient firmness while retaining flexibility. This suggests the gel can retain its shape in the container while still being easily applied on skin.

5.8 Drug Content Uniformity:

UV spectrophotometric analysis at 430nm confirmed curcuminoid content of 97.4%, indicating uniform distribution of the active ingredient and consistent dosing per application.

Batch-wise Comparison of Gel Evaluation Parameters:

Table 5: Comparative Evaluation of Polyherbal Anti-Acne Gel Batches (F1, F2, F3)

Parameter	F1	F2	F3
Gelling System	Sodium Alginate	Sodium Alginate + CMC (0.6%)	Sodium Alginate + CMC (1.0%)
Physical Appearance	Slightly runny, less uniform	Improved texture, moderately thick	Smooth, homogeneous, stable
pH	5.82	5.80	5.84
Viscosity (mPa.s)	~3500	~4600	~5100
Spreadability (cm)	4.2	5.3	6.2
Syneresis	Visible water separation	Minimal	Negligible
Irritation (Patch Test)	Not tested	Not tested	No irritation observed
Drug Content Uniformity	Not tested	Not tested	97.4%

DISCUSSION:

The dual gelling system effectively improved both mechanical and sensory properties of the gel. The polyherbal combination demonstrated promising anti-acne potential supported by favorable physicochemical, safety, and usability profiles. Collectively, these results affirm the formulation's potential for further clinical exploration.

CONCLUSION:

The present research focused on the development of a novel polyherbal anti-acne gel, integrating the therapeutic potential of five well-established medicinal plants — Neem, Tulsi, Aloe vera, Turmeric, and Tea Tree Oil — within a dual gelling system composed of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The polyherbal approach was carefully selected to address the multifactorial etiology of acne vulgaris, including microbial proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired skin healing. Each herb was chosen based on its distinct pharmacological profile, and the synergistic blend demonstrated broad-spectrum anti-acne potential.

A key innovation in this study lies in the dual-gelling strategy, which significantly improved the formulation’s rheological properties — particularly viscosity, spreadability, structural integrity, and topical retention time — making the gel both user-friendly and pharmaceutically elegant. The final formulation was non-irritant, physically stable, and showed uniform drug content, validating its suitability for dermal use. The findings support the concept that combining traditional herbal wisdom with modern formulation techniques can yield effective, safe, and patient-compliant alternatives to chemical-based acne treatments. This gel represents a holistic, biocompatible, and sustainable innovation in the field of herbal dermatology.

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Received on 13.07.2025 Revised on 04.11.2025

Accepted on 09.01.2026 Published on 18.04.2026

Available online from April 25, 2026

Research J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 2026; 17(1):15-20.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5844.2026.00004

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

Herbal ingredient	Plant part used	Extraction method	Solvent used	Temperature & time
Neem	Fresh leaves	Decoction	Distilled water	80°C for 30–45 min
Tulsi	Fresh leaves	Decoction	Distilled water	80°C for 30 min
Aloe vera	Fresh leaf gel	Cold infusion with mild heat	None (pure gel)	40–50°C (brief heating)
Turmeric	Powdered rhizome	Hot infusion	70% Ethanol or distilled water	40–50°C for 30–60 min

Batch Code	Gelling Agents Used	CMC Concentration	Viscosity (mPa.s)	Observation
F1	Sodium Alginate (5 g)	–	3500	Gel too fluid, lacked sufficient body and consistency
F2	Sodium Alginate (5 g) + CMC (0.6 g)	0.6%	~4600	Improved consistency but slightly soft
F3 (Final)	Sodium Alginate (5 g) + CMC (1.0 g total)	1.0%	~5100	Desired viscosity achieved; gel was smooth and stable