Sustainable Formulation and Physicochemical Characterization of a Multifunctional Hair Cream Using Natural Ingredients

The increasing demand for eco-friendly and health-conscious cosmetic products has driven interest in the development of naturally derived hair-care formulations. This study focused on the green synthesis and characterization of a multifunctional organic hair cream using extracts from onion, garlic, aloe vera, turmeric, neem leaves, hibiscus flower, lemon grass, and curry leaves which are obtained using maceration method. Three 100g cream samples were obtained using varying percentage of herb organic extracts (5%, 10%, 15%). The formulated creams were subjected to physicochemical, biological, phytochemical analysis and performance evaluations including pH, viscosity, spreadability, moisture content, antimicrobial assays etc. Results indicated that only sample C (15%) was physically stable, with desirable texture, among the three samples with all the samples having pH values within the scalp’s acceptable range. The viscosity and spreadability suggested ease of application and good consistency, while the biological tests revealed mild antimicrobial and antifungal activities in sample A and B with higher antimicrobial and antifungal activities in sample C, contributing to scalp protection. Comparative hair strength improvement tests showed that the cream containing higher concentrations of the crude extract enhanced hair strength and sheen more effectively than synthetic creams. This study concludes that the use of organic ingredients such as those employed in this work should be encouraged in hair-care product development, as it provides safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic formulations. This green approach represents a promising direction for future cosmetic innovations.

Green Synthesis, Hair cream, Bioactive compound, Phytochemical analysis

1. Buffoli, B., Rinaldi, F., Labanca, M., Sorbellini, E., Trink, A., Guanziroli, E., Rezzani, R., & Rodella, L. F. (2014). The human hair: From anatomy to physiology. Int J Dermatol. 53(3): 331-341. PMID: 24372228. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.12362 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Rivero-Jimenez, R. A., Haider, M. T., Moorakkan, U. R., Ventura-Carmenate, Y., & Bencomo-Hernandez, A. A. (2024). Mechanisms involved in human hair growths relevant for regenerative medicine therapies. Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research. 8(2): 121-128. https://doi.org/10.26502/acbr.50170391 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Dash, P. (2006) Black hair culture, politics and change. International Journal of Inclusive Education. 10: 27-37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13603110500173183 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Thompson, C. (2009) Black women, beauty, and hair as a matter of being. Women’s Studies. 38: 831-856. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00497870903238463 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Johnson, T. A., & Teiahsha Bankhead, T. (2014). Hair it is: Examining the experiences of black women with natural hair. Open Journal of Social Sciences. 2(1). https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2014.21010 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Pan, X., Yu, R., Wu, J. et al. Technological Advances in Anti-hair Loss and Hair Regrowth Cosmeceuticals: Mechanistic Breakthroughs and Industrial Prospects Driven by Multidisciplinary Collaborative Innovation. Aesth Plast Surg 49, 5341–5390 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-025-05077-3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Reis, M. F., Gavazzoni Dias, G. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. Int J Trichology. 7(1): 2-15. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Pan, X., Yu, R., Wu, J., Li, W., Huang, R., Huang, W., Huang, Y., Wang, Y., & Zuo, H. (2025). Technological advances in anti-hair loss and hair regrowth cosmeceuticals:Mechanistic breakthroughs and industrial prospects driven by multidisciplinary collaborative innovation. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.49; 5341–5390 (2025).https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-025-05077-3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Ibe, M. V., Verla, A. W., Achukee, C. K., & Ekeke, P. O. (2025). Systematic review of green chemistry in Nigeria: Current status, challenges and opportunities. World Scientific News .199 : 100-121. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Panic, A., Serio, F., Bagordo, F., Grassy, T., Idolo, A., De Giorgi, M., Guido, M., Congedo, M., & De Donno, A. (2019). Skin safety and health prevention: An overview of chemicals in cosmetic products. J Prev Med Hyg. 60(1): E50–E57. https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.1.1080 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Roy, S., & Saha, S. (2025). Potential health risks associated with cosmetics and personal care products: An overview. American Journal of Medical and Clinical Research & Reviews. 04(07). https://doi.org/10.58372/2835-6276.1319 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Fernandes, C., Medronho, B., Alves, L., & Rasteiro, M. G. (2023). On hair care physicochemistry: From structure and degradation to novel biobased conditioning agents. Polymers (Basel). 5(3):608. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030608 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Sang, S-H., Akowuah, G. A., Liew, K. B., Lee, S. K., Keng, J. W., Lee, S. Yon, J. A. L., Tan, C. S., & Chew, Y. L. (2023). Natural alternatives from your garden for hair care: Revisiting the benefits of tropical herbs. Heliyon. 9(11); e21876. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Faria-Silva, C., Carvalheiro, M., Souza, V., Fernando, A. L., Martins, A. M., Marto, J., & Simões, S. (2026). Green nanotechnology in cosmeceuticals. In Nanotechnology in cosmeceuticals: Advances, challenges and future perspectives (Chap. 19, pp. 343–366). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-30184-1.00025-9 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Racheeti, P. B., & Ramya, Y., (2024). Review on green synthesis of nanomaterials: Sustainable approaches and multifaceted applications. Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2(4); 705-716. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10965196 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Kharissova, O. V., Kharisov, B. I., González, C. M. O., Yolanda Peña Méndez, Y. P., & López, I. (2019). Greener synthesis of chemical compounds and materials. Royal Society Open Science. 6(11):191378. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191378 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Jain, P., Bhadoriya, J., Mane, S., Vinchurkar, K., & Suryawanshi, M. (2025). Green chemistry approaches in biomaterials synthesis. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-91790-5_3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Mahajan, R. T., & Chaudhary, G. (2012). A novel approach towards phytosomal flavonoids. Pharma Science Monitor An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 3(3); 2079-2105. ISSN: 0976-7908. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Ivan, G., Sivia, T. S., Slaveyka, P., & Petya, K. (2021). Polyphenols content of medicinal plants and food supplements in Bulgaria. Journal of Hypertension. 40(1); e262. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.hjh.0000838204.95030.63 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Sun, W., Shahrajabian, M. H., & Ribaudo, G. (2023). Therapeutic potential of phenolic compounds in medicinal plants—natural health products for human health. Molecules. 28(4):1845. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041845 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Singh, L. J., Challam, D. A., & Senjam, B. D. (2023). Medicinal plants as a sources of terpenoids and their impact on Central Nervous System disorders: A review. The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 12(2):104-110. https://doi.org/10.312544/phyto.2023.12207 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Kunatsa, Y., Katerere, D. R., Vandebroek, I., Delgoda, R., & Picking, D. (2021). Checklist of African soapy saponin—rich plants for possible use in communities’ response to global pandemics. Plants (Basel). 10(5):842. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050842 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Bhattacharya, S., Chakraborty, S., Pal, R., Roy, A., & Bhattacharjee, A. (2025). Tannins containing medicinal plants and it's significance: An overview. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research. 9(11):a340-a350. ISSN:2349-5162. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Mohamed, A.A., & Alotaibi, B.M. (2023). Essential oils of some medicinal plants and their biological activities: A mini review. J.Umm Al-Qura Univ. Appll. Sci. 9, 40–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43994-022-00018-1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Ulewicz-Magulska, B., Wesolowski, M., & Napolitano, A. (2023). Antioxidant activity of medicinal herbs and spices from plants of the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae families: Chemometric interpretation of the data. Antioxidants (Basel). 12(12):2039. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122039 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Zouine, N., El Ghachtouli, N., El Abed, S., & Koraichi, S. I. (2024). A comprehensive review on medicinal plant extracts as antibacterial agents: Factors, mechanism insights and future prospects. Scientific African, 26. e02395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02395 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Julius, D., Christopher, L., Appiah-Oppong, R., Emikpe, B. O., Abera, D. A., Mubarik, Y., & Abdul-Mumeen, I. (2025). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity properties of medicinal plants used for producing herbal products against hepatic diseases in Ghana. Aspects of Molecular Medicine, 6. 100093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amolm.2025.100093 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Michalak, M. (2023). Plant extracts as skin care and therapeutic agents. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 24(20), 15444. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015444 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Choi, J. Y., Boo, M. Y., Boo, Y. C., Panzella, L., Wang, Z., & Zgórka, G. (2024). Can plant extracts help prevent hair loss or promote hair growth? A review comparing their therapeutic efficacies, phytochemical components, and modulatory targets. Molecules. 29(10): 2288. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102288 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Kesika, P., Sivamaruthi, B. S., Thangaleela, S., Bharathi, M., Chaiyasut, C., De Vita, D., & Lachowicz-Wiśniewska, S. (2023). Role and mechanisms of phytochemicals in hair growth and health. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 16(2): 206. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16020206 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Gautam, D. G., Shelke, P. G., Hatwar, P. R., Bakal, R. L., & Shinde, N. M. (2024). Phytochemicals in hair care: A review of natural ingredients and their applications. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 29(02); 331–340. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2024.29.2.0449 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Tan, P. L., Rajagopal, M., Chinnappan, S., Selvaraja, M., Leong, M. Y., Tan, L. F., & Yap, V. L. (2022). Formulation and physicochemical evaluation of green cosmeceutical herbal face cream containing standardized mangosteen peel extract. Cosmetics. 9(46). https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9030046 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Hutova, K., Andonova, V., Panova, N., Ivanov, I., Nikolova, K., & Gugleva, V. (2025). Design and characterization of cosmetic creams based on natural oils from the Rosaceae family. Cosmetics. 12(6), 248. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12060248 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Ali, H. S., Saad, R., Alahmed, S. M., Shaheeb, N. A. G., & Elhaj, B. M. (2018). Development and evaluation of herbal extract cream for hydration and photo-protection. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 9(3). https://doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.09367 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Deuschle, V. C. K. N., Deuschle, R. A. N., Bortoluzzi, M. R., & Athayde, M. L. (2015). Physical chemistry evaluation of stability, spreadability, in vitro antioxidant, and photo-protective capacities of topical formulations containing calendula officinalis L. Leaf extract. Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 51(1):63-75. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-82502015000100007 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Shkreli, R., Terziu, R., Memushaj, L., & Dhamo, K. (2022). Formulation and stability evaluation of a cosmetics emulsion loaded with different concentrations of synthetic and natural preservative. Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences. 5(1):38-51 https://doi.org/10.62400/jbs.v5i1.6373 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Impact of Ownership Structure on Dividend Payout Policy of Listed Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka
• Urban Sustainability in North-East India: A Study through the lens of NER-SDG index
• Performance Assessment of Predictive Forecasting Techniques for Enhancing Hospital Supply Chain Efficiency in Healthcare Logistics
• The Fractured Self in Julian Barnes' Postmodern Fiction: Identity Crisis and Deflation in Metroland and the Sense of an Ending
• Impact of Flood on the Employment, Labour Productivity and Migration of Agricultural Labour in North Bihar