Full text
*Corresponding author: Polly Gupta Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0. Soothing touch: Formulation and analysis of a rejuvenating herbal massage cream Polly Gupta *, Shashank Tiwari and Palak Gupta Department of Pharmacy, Lucknow Model College of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 Publication history: Received on 03 May 2025; revised on 14 June 2025; accepted on 17 June 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2025.23.2.0598 Abstract The study is all about making a herbal massage cream by using herbal ingredients like dragon fruit, cucumber, black grape strawberry, papaya a newest herbal remedy, to see if it can actually help get rid of those different type skin problem and which is free form side effects and give multipurpose effect, like moisturizer, reduce acne and skin irritation, reduce skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, wrinkles, rashes etc. and also adding glow to the face. Dragon fruit, Cucumber, Black grapes, Strawberry, Papaya, was utilized as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the formulation of an herbal massage cream, alongside complementary base ingredients. The cream formulation was prepared using standardized procedures, incorporating various fruit powder at optimized concentrations and blending it with other constituents to ensure efficacy and safety. The formulated herbal massage cream was shown effective result as a moisturize the skin, hydrate the skin, reduce the sign of aging, and also give a beneficial effect on human skin. The cream was passed through the various evaluation parameters as an effective herbal product. This study supports the feasibility and potential of this herbal formulation as a safe and natural remedy for managing different skin conditions, providing a promising avenue for further research and development in the field of herbal skincare products. Keyword: Herbal cream; Massage cream; Anti-oxidant; Mix fruit cream 1. Introduction The present research, researcher formulate an herbal massage cream, which is made by mix up of different fruits like - dragon fruit, cucumber, papaya, strawberry, black grapes for their different properties which play important role in making a herbal massage cream that is shown in table.1. The researcher making herbal massage cream by using a different ingredient (stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, borax, glycerol, olive oil, rose water, methyl paraben) in different quantities which are also mention in the table. 2 Herbal cosmetic is derived from plants and contain natural ingredients believed to have medicinal or therapeutic properties. these products range from teas and supplements to skincare and hair care items, harnessing the power of nature for health and wellness purposes. Herbal cosmetics are beauty products formulated with natural ingredients derived from plants, herbs, flowers, and other botanical sources. These cosmetics often avoid synthetic chemicals and instead rely on the beneficial properties of herbs and plants for skincare and beauty benefits.[1] 1.1. Poly Herbal Polyherbal formulations involve combining multiple herbs or plant extracts to create a single product with enhanced therapeutic or cosmetic benefits. These formulations have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani. By blending different herbs, polyherbal formulations can target multiple health concerns or provide a broader spectrum of active compounds, leading to synergistic effects. In the context of herbal cosmetics, polyherbal formulations may offer a comprehensive approach to skincare, addressing
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 256 various skin issues simultaneously. These formulations often capitalize on the diverse properties of different herbs, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and anti-aging effects, to promote overall skin health and beauty.[2] 1.2. Herbal Cream Creams are the semisolid formulation apply directly on to the skin. Herbal creams are skincare products formulated with a base of natural ingredients derived from plants, such as herbs, botanical extracts, essential oils, and plant-based oils and butters. These creams are designed to nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin using the beneficial properties of botanical ingredients. Herbal creams may contain a single herb or a combination of herbs known for their skincare benefits, depending on the specific formulation. They are often preferred by those seeking a more natural and gentle approach to skincare, as they typically avoid synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and harsh additives. Herbal creams can be used to address various skin concerns, including dryness, irritation, inflammation, aging, and uneven skin tone, providing hydration, soothing relief, and promoting overall skin health.[3] 1.3. Benefits of Massage Cream • Provides deep hydration: The massage cream body is formulated with hydrating ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin, providing intense moisture and hydration. This deep hydration can help in rejuvenating rough and dry skin, resulting in soft and supple skin. • Enhances blood circulation: Massage cream body helps improve blood circulation by making it easier for the therapist to glide over the skin. This gliding motion generates heat that helps relax the muscles, leading to improved blood circulation. • Reduces muscle tension: Massage therapy is a known remedy for muscle tension, and the use of massage cream body can amplify its effects. The cream provides a smooth surface, making it easier for the therapist to work out knots and tense muscles. • Helps in pain relief: Massage cream body contains analgesic ingredients that help in reducing pain and inflammation. • Improves flexibility: The use of massage cream body can also help improve flexibility, relieving joint pain. • Provides a calming effect: The fragrance and texture of massage cream body provide a calming effect, making it an excellent way to reduce stress and provide relaxation.[5] 2. Materials And Methods 2.1. List of Ingredients and Excipients used for the Preparation of Massage Cream and their Role The plants for the study were selected, procured from market shade dried, powdered coarsely, and extracted with the hydro-alcoholic solution and used for the formulation The plant materials used for the study are. 2.1.1. Raw Material Active Pharmaceutical Agent (API) • Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus) purchase from local market. • Papaya (Carica papaya) purchase from local market. • Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) purchase from local market. • Strawberry (Fragaria) purchase from local market. • Black Grapes (Vitis Vinifera) purchase from local market. Excipients • Steric acid was purchased from S.D fine chem. Pvt Ltd. • Glycerol was purchased from S.D fine chem. Pvt Ltd. • Rose Water was purchased from S.D fine chem. Pvt Ltd. • Cetyle alcohol was purchased from S.D fine chem. Pvt Ltd. • Methyl paraben was purchased from S.D fine chem. Pvt Ltd. • Olive oil was purchased from S.D fine chem. Pvt Ltd. Various Material and Their Role in Herbal Massage Cream Formulation are Listed Below in the Table
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 257 Table 1 Material and their role Srno. Ingredients Role of ingredients 1. Dragon fruit Moisturization 2. Raw Papaya Anti-wrinkle activity 3. Cucumber Skin nourishment, soothing, cooling effect, antiinflammatory activity 4. Straw berry Great exfoliator 5. Black grapes Anti-oxidant 6. Stearic acid emulsifying agent 7 Cetyl alcohol Emulsifier 8. Olive oil Antioxidants 9. Glycerol Humectant, (moisturizing agent) 10. Rose water q.s 11. Borax Emulsifying Agent 12. Methyl Paraben Preservative Table 2 Materials and their Composition Sr.no. Ingredients Composition 1. Dragon fruit 10gm 2. Raw Papaya 10gm 3. Strawberry 10gm 4. Cucumber 10gm 5. Black grape 10gm 6. Stearic acid 5gm 7. Cetyl alcohol 5gm 8. Olive oil 5ml 9. Glycerole 10ml 10. Rose water q.s. 11. Borax 10gm 12. Methyl Paraben 0.01 Table 3 Equipment’s Sr.no. Equipment’s Role /use 1. Weighing Balance For Weighing 2. Grinder For Grinding 3. Tray Dryer For Drying 4. Water bath For Heating 5. pH meter For determination of pH
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 258 2.1.2. API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus undatus) • Help in slowing down the process of ageing. • Help protect your skin from sun damage. • Reducing the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.[6] Figure 1 Cutting and weighing Dragon fruit Papaya (Carica papaya) - • it may act as a moisturiser and make your skin look smoother. • used as a skin-lightening agent. • Exfoliating activity.[7] Figure 2 Cutting and weighing of Papaya Cucumber (Cucumus sativus Linn) - • Keep Pimples and Acne Off your Face. • Keeps the Skin Healthy and Toned.
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 259 • Helps Combat Signs of Premature Aging. • A Great Source of Hydration.[8] Figure 3 Cutting and weighing of Cucumber Straw Berry (Fragaria x ananassa) - • Antioxidants. • Anti-ageing. • help keep your skin free from fine lines and wrinkles. • reduce the appearance of open pores, and prevent acne and blackheads.[9] Figure 4 Cutting & weighing of Straw Berry Black Grapes (Vitis Vinifera) • Antioxidants • May support heart health • Reducing the appearance of wrinkles • Antimicrobial agents.[10]
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 260 Figure 5 Cutting & weighing of Black Grapes 2.1.3. Ingredients Stearic acid • Stearic acid is used to thicken the products and bind the ingredients together. • Moisturizing. • Anti-inflammatory. • It is used to hydrating the skin.[11] Figure 6 Weighing of stearic Acid Cetyl alcohol • Cetyl alcohol helps prevent creams from separating into oil and liquid. • emulsifier. • thickening agent.[12]
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 261 Figure 7 Weighing of Cetyl Alcohol Olive Oil • Provides softness to the skin. • Emollient. • Olive oil is currently used in topical applications for the treatment of several skin conditions including dry skin, itch, and inflammation as well as disorders such as rosacea.[13] Figure 8 Measuring of Olive Oil Glycerol • As a humectant. • Moisturizing agent. • Reduces Acne. • keeps Skin Young. • Protects Skin.[14]
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 262 Figure 9 Weighing of Glycerole Rose water- • It is used to maintain fragrance • Rose water is a soothing Agent. • moisturizing ingredient. • It also has anti-bacterial property. • Antiseptic.[15] Figure 10 Measuring of Rose Water Borax- • Emulsifier. • Moisturizing. • Buffering agent. • Preservative.[16]
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 255-269 263 Figure 11 Weighing of Borax Methyl Paraben- • It prevents germ growth. • It is also an antifungal preservative. • It help to increase shelf life.[17] Figure 12 Weighing of Methyl Paraben 2.2. Evaluation Parameters of Herbal Massage Cream: - 2.2.1. Physical evaluation Formulated herbal cream was further evaluated by using the following physical parameters. Color, Odor, Consistency, and state of the formulation. Color The color of the cream was observed by visual examination. The chocolatey color was obtained. Odor The odor of cream was found to be characteristics.