FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL LIPSTICK USING SEA BUCKTHORN EXTRACT AND BEETROOT EXTRACT

Lipstick is one of the most widely used cosmetic products for enhancing lip appearance; however, conventional formulations often contain synthetic chemicals, artificial colorants, and trace heavy metals that may lead to adverse effects such as dryness, irritation, and long-term toxicity.^[1,2] Increasing consumer awareness has shifted preference toward herbal and natural cosmetic products due to their safety, biocompatibility, and added therapeutic benefits.^[3,4] The present study aims to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal lipstick using natural ingredients. The formulation was prepared using a combination of natural waxes (beeswax, carnauba wax), emollients (shea butter, cocoa butter), and oils (castor oil, jojoba oil, and sea buckthorn extract) along with natural and mineral-based colorants such as beetroot extract and red iron oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide were incorporated to improve opacity and provide photoprotective properties, while vitamin E was used as an antioxidant to enhance stability.^[5–8] The prepared formulation was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including melting point, breaking strength, spreadability, pH, surface characteristics, and stability under different conditions. The results demonstrated that the formulated lipstick exhibited satisfactory physical properties, uniform color distribution, good spreadability, and stability without causing irritation.^[9-12] Thus, the developed polyherbal lipstick can be considered a safe, effective, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic lipsticks, with potential for further development and commercialization.