POLYHERBAL GEL FACE WASH FORMULATION BASED ON CURCUMA AMADA, ORANGE PEEL, AND LIQUORICE FOR TRETMENT OF ACNE

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder caused by excess sebum production, microbial colonization, and inflammation of pilosebaceous units. The present study was designed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal gel face wash containing hydroalcoholic extracts of Curcuma amada, orange peel, and liquorice roots for the management of acne. The extracts were incorporated into a gel base prepared using xanthan gum as a gelling agent, glycerine as a humectant, sodium lauryl sulfate as a surfactant, and parabens as preservatives. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, carbohydrates, and glycosides, which are responsible for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The formulated gel was evaluated for organoleptic properties, physicochemical parameters, skin irritation, foamability, spreadability, and stability studies. The formulation exhibited a pH compatible with skin (6.4 ± 0.12), good viscosity, satisfactory spreadability, moderate to good foam formation, and no signs of skin irritation. Stability studies indicated no significant changes under different storage conditions. The results suggest that the developed polyherbal gel face wash is safe, stable, and effective, and may be beneficial for acne-prone skin due to the synergistic activity of its herbal constituents.