Abstract

FORMULATION, DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL ANTI-ACNE GEL USING GUAVA LEAF AND LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT

Kulbhushan M. Lalwani, Prachi K. Gavhane*, Snehal S. Mundfan, Vaishnavi M. Baykar, Sanika S. Gund, Yashanjali S. Thorve, Sanika D. Dhobale

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders affecting adolescents and adults, primarily caused by bacterial infection, excessive sebum production, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Herbal formulations have gained considerable attention due to their safety, effectiveness, and minimal side effects compared to synthetic anti-acne products. The present study aimed to formulate, develop, and evaluate a herbal anti-acne gel containing Guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract. Two formulations (F1 and F2) were prepared using Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent, along with Aloe vera extract, Neem extract, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Methyl paraben, Propyl paraben, Triethanolamine, and distilled water. The prepared gels were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, including appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, extrudability, washability, and stability. The herbal extracts provided antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, making the formulation suitable for acne management. Among the prepared formulations, the optimized formulation exhibited acceptable physicochemical characteristics, good stability, smooth texture, and satisfactory spreadability. The findings suggest that the developed herbal anti-acne gel has the potential to serve as a safe, effective, and economical topical formulation for the management of acne vulgaris. However, further antimicrobial and clinical studies are recommended to confirm its therapeutic efficacy

Keywords: Herbal Anti-Acne Gel, Guava Leaf Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Acne Vulgaris, Topical Gel Antimicrobial Activity.