Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 78(1), January – February 2023; Article No.

07, Pages: 41-45 ISSN 0976 – 044X

Research Article

Formulation, Evaluation and Comparison of the Herbal Shampoo with Commercial Shampoos

M. Sankara Bhavani*, Shaik Mehamuda Jan, Kota Sandhya Rani, M.Srirekha

Hindu College of Pharmacy, Amaravathi road, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: [email protected]

Received: 10-11-2022; Revised: 24-12-2022; Accepted: 30-12-2022; Published on: 15-01-2023.

ABSTRACT
The study aimed to formulate a pure herbal shampoo and to evaluate and compare its physicochemical properties with the marketed
synthetic and herbal shampoos. The herbal shampoo was formulated by adding the extracts of Sapinus indica, Bhringraj, Shikakai,
Amla etc to a Flaxseed solution. Small amount of methyl paraben was added as a preservative and pH was adjusted with citric acid.
Several tests such as visual inspection, pH, wetting time, % of solid contents, foam volume and stability, surface tension, detergency,
dirt dispersion etc, were performed to determine the physicochemical properties of both prepared and marketed shampoos. The
formulated herbal shampoo was clear, light green in color, transparent, good odor and appealing. The PH of the Formulated Shampoo
was found in the range of 7.02±0.02. Formulated herbal shampoo comprises % solid content, Surface tension, wetting time and
Viscosity were found to be 22.72±0.02, 22.63±0.06, 187±0.02sec and 15.223cps. Dirt dispersion of the Formulated Herbal Shampoo
was found to be Moderate. Foam ability and stability of the Formulated Herbal Shampoo was found to be good foaming with 12.5ml.
Formulated herbal shampoo shows physicochemical properties comparable to the commercial shampoo. However, further research
and development is required to improve its quality and safety. The main objective of this study was to eliminate harmful synthetic
ingredient from herbal shampoo formulation and substitute them with a safe natural ingredient.
Keywords: Herbal shampoo, Herb Extract, Physicochemical properties, Evaluation.

that is build up on the hair without stripping out much of

QUICK RESPONSE CODE →
the sebum. Many synthetic shampoos are present in the
current market both medicated and nonmedicated;
DOI: however, herbal shampoo popularized due to natural
10.47583/ijpsrr.2023.v78i01.007 origin which is safer, increases consumer demand and
free from side effects.3,4,5
DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.47583/ijpsrr.2023.v78i01.007 In synthetic shampoos, surfactants (synthetic) are added
mainly for their cleansing and foaming property, but the
INTRODUCTION continuous use of these surfactants leads to serious
effects such as eye irritation, scalp irritation, loss of hair,

N ow a day’s peoples are conscious about hairs due

to increase in pollution hairs get damaged.
Pollutants badly effects on hair resulted into spilt
ends, roughness, retarded growth of hairs, loss of shine
of hair and hair falls. These all problems of hair are
and dryness of hairs 6.
Herbal formulations are considered as alternative to
synthetic shampoo but formulating cosmetics using
completely natural raw material is a difficult task. 7
covered by shampoo but in case of synthetic shampoos There are large numbers of medicinal plants which are
they are made from chemical constituents shows side reported to have beneficial effects on hair and are
effects on hairs. commonly used in formulation of shampoo 8.
In case of polyherbal shampoos natural ingredients are These plant products may be used in their powdered
involved in it, which having natural tendency as a form, crude form, purified extracts, or derivative form.9.
cleanser. They show a good effect on hairs without
showing any side effects on hairs. Natural ingredients Objectives
useful because of their pure qualities.1,2 1) To formulate the herbal shampoo.
Shampoos are most probably used as cosmetics. It is a 2) To evaluate the herbal shampoo.
hair care product that is used for cleaning scalp and hair
in our daily life. Shampoos are most likely utilized as 3) The part used for formulation is leaves, fruits and root.
beautifying agents and are a viscous solution of 4) To reduce side effects of chemical formulation.
detergents containing suitable additives preservatives
and active ingredients. It is usually applied on wet hair, 5) To improve hairs texture.
massaging into the hair, and cleansed by rinsing with 6) To darkening the hair color.
water. The purpose of using shampoo is to remove dirt

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Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 78(1), January – February 2023; Article No. 07, Pages: 41-45 ISSN 0976 – 044X

7) To imparting gloss to hair and to maintain their Preparation of Flaxseed solution

manageability and oiliness for hairs 10
Add the flaxseeds to the water.
Herbal shampoos are the cosmetic preparations that with the use
Boil this water for around 10 minutes and keep stirring
of traditional Ayurvedic herbs are meant for cleansing the hair and
to avoid the flaxseeds from sticking to the base of the
scalp just like the regular shampoo. They are used for removal of
utensil.
oils, dandruff, dirt, environmental pollutions etc11, 12.
Turn the stove off when you achieve a gel-like texture, not
This study was designed to formulate a herbal shampoo
too dense but not too thin.Let the gel cool down for about
and to evaluate and compare its physicochemical
an hour while it thickens.
properties with the marketed synthetic and herbal
shampoo in search of a safe and effective cosmetic Put the sock in a glass measuring cup, and then empty the
product. gel into it.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Now, squeeze the gel from the stock into the measuring
cup in order to strain it.
All plant materials were obtained from local market,
Guntur. A.P., and were identified. Two commercially Formulation of herbal shampoo
available shampoos namely Dove Shampoo and
The plant extracts were mixed in different proportions to
Himalaya shampoo were purchased from the local super
obtain a shampoo whose formula is shown in Table-1.
market.
Herbal extracts were added to 10% flaxseed and were
Preparation of plant extracts mixed by shaking for 20 min. Lemon juice (1 ml) and
Methyl paraben were also added with stirring. Finally, the
Required quantities of Sapinus indica, Bhringraj, Shikakai,
pH of the solution was adjusted by adding sufficient
Amla etc., were washed under running water to remove
quantity of 1% citric acid solution. Few drops of rosemary
foreign substances, homogenized and boiled in hot water
oil were also added to impart aroma to the prepared
for 4h. The aqueous extract was filtered and
shampoo and the final volume was made to 100 ml with
concentrated to obtain semi solid mass. Aqueous
flaxseed solution.
extracts of remaining ingredients were also prepared by
the similar method 13.
Table 1: Formulation of Herbal Shampoos

S.No Ingredients Formulations (100 gms) Uses

1 Sapindus indica 5 gm Cleanser, removinghead lice
2 Bhringraj 0.5 gm Promotes hair growth
3 Amla extract 25 gm Strengthening of hair
4 Shikakai 25 gm To treat scalp disorder
5 Lemon juice 1 ml Refreshens the hair
6 Methyl paraben 1 ml of 0.05% solution preservative
7 Citric acid Q.S Balance the pH level
8 Essential oil (rosemary) 0.1 ml Prevent dandruff
9 Fenugreek seeds 1 gm Nutrient for hair growth
10 Tulasi 10 gm Treat skin disorders
11 Flaxseed solution Q.S to 100 ml Provides nourishment

Evaluation of Herbal Shampoo pH determination

The prepared formulation was evaluated for product The pH of the prepared herbal shampoo in distilled water
performance which includes organoleptic characters, pH, (10% v/v) was evaluated by means of pH analyzer at room
physicochemical characterization, and for solid content. To temperature 14
guarantee the nature of the items, particular tests were
Determination of solid content:
performed for surface tension, foam volume, foam stability,
and wetting time using standard protocol About 4g of shampoo solution was placed in an evaporating
dish. The liquid portion of the shampoo was evaporated by
Visual assessment
placing the dish on hotplate. Remaining solid content in the
The prepared formulation was assessed for color, clarity, dish was calculated after complete drying.
odor, and froth content.
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Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 78(1), January – February 2023; Article No. 07, Pages: 41-45 ISSN 0976 – 044X

It was determined by using the formula: result. The result obtained on present study shows that
the active ingredients of these drugs when incorporated
% of solid content = C-A/B-A x100
in shampoo gives more stable products with good
Where; aesthetic appeal.
A= weight of empty evaporating dish Physical appearance/visual inspection
B= weight of evaporating dish with shampoo solution The formulated and marketed shampoos were evaluated
for physical characteristics such as color, odor and
C= weight of evaporating dish after evaporation of
transparency (Table 2). Our prepared shampoo was
shampoo solution.15
transparent, light green and had good odor. No significant
Dirt dispersion: difference was observed in terms of odor, transparency
and foaming characteristics between commercial and
The test tube containing 10ml of distilled water is added to
formulated shampoo except for color.
it. Later two drops of shampoo formulation is introduced to
the test tube. Afterwards one drop of India ink is added to Determination of pH
the test tube. The test tube is then stopper with the cork
The pH balance of the product is important as it affects
and shaken for 10 times. The results had been written from
skin and surface on which there are used. The pH of our
amount of ink dispersed such as None, Light, Moderate, or
formulated shampoo falls with the ideal pH range of the
Heavy 16,17,18,19
shampoo i.e., (between 7 and 5) and are presented in
Surface tension measurement Table 2.
The prepared shampoo in distilled water (10% w/v) was The pH of the shampoo also helps in minimizing irritation
evaluated for surface tension using stalagmometer in to the eyes enhances the qualities of hair and maintains
room temperature 20 ecological balance of scalp. The pH of the tested
commercial shampoos was found within the preferred
Foaming ability and foam stability:
range.
The foaming capability and foam stability test is carried out
Percentage solid contents
by using cylinder shake method. In this technique 50 ml of
the 1% shampoo solution was taken in a 250 ml graduated Good shampoos usually have 20%–30% solid content as it
cylinder and covered the cylinder with hand. The cylinder is is easy to be applied and rinse out from the hair. If it
then shaken for 10 times. The volume of the foam appeared doesn't have enough solid it will be too watery and wash
due to shaking is measured after every one minute away quickly, similarly too many solids will be hard to
consecutively for four minutes. 15,17,18, 21 work into the hair or too hard to wash out. The percent
solid contents of all the tested shampoo was found within
Wetting time
the range of 22–25% and are expected to wash out easily
To test the efficacy of the shampoo, wetting ability of a (Table 2).
surfactant needs to be calculated which depends on the
Dirt dispersion
concentration of surfactant 19. For the evaluation of
wetting ability of the shampoo, canvas disc method is Dirt dispersion is an important criterion for evaluation of
used which is an efficient, quick, easy, and reliable cleansing action of shampoo. Shampoos that cause the
method. The prepared shampoo shows the wetting time ink to concentrate in the foam are considered of poor
of the about 120 s. The maximum of wetting time shows quality because ink or dirt that stays in foam is difficult to
that the shampoo contains lower amount of detergents. 22 rinse away and gets re-deposited on the hair cleansing
action. All shampoo concentrated the ink in the water
Rheological evaluation
portion, ensuring their satisfactory cleaning ability and
The viscosity of the shampoos was determined by using actual effectiveness. The results were shown in (Table 2).
Ostwald Viscometer. The viscosity of the ten times. The
Surface tension
amount of ink in the foam was estimated as None, Light,
Moderate, or Heavy. 23,24,25,26 The term indicates the amount of surfactant present in
Shampoo to reduce the surface tension. Lesser the surface
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
tension stronger is the cleaning ability of the shampoo. A
Medicinal plants used in the Formulation of Herbal shampoo is considered of good quality if it decreases the
shampoo were found as rich source of novel drugs. These surface tension of pure water from 72.28 dyn/cm to about
plants were Amla, Sapindus indica, Shikakai, Bhringraj, and 40 dyn/cm. All the tested shampoo showed similar
other ingredients had been reported for hair growth and reduction in surface tension ranging from 21.63 to 32.33
conditioning. The various quality control parameters like dyn/cm (Table-2). The reduction in surface tension is an
Physical appearance/visual inspection, pH, % Solid indication of their good detergent action. The formulated
contents, Foam ability and Stability, Dirt dispersion, shampoo reduced the surface tension to 22.63 dyn/cm
Viscosity were checked. All parameter gives favorable which is comparable to marketed Himalaya shampoos

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Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 78(1), January – February 2023; Article No. 07, Pages: 41-45 ISSN 0976 – 044X

(28.45dyn/cm), , Dove (32.33 dyn/cm) . The results were can be concluded that dove contains the maximum
shown in (Table 2). concentration of detergents because it had the least
wetting time by contrast our formulated shampoo
Foaming ability and foam stability
exhibited maximum wetting time so, it contains minimum
One of the essential parameters in evaluating a shampoo is concentration of detergents. The results were shown in
lathering or mostly described as foaming. The formulated (Table 2).
herbal shampoo resulted in the formation of small-medium,
Viscosity
dense and uniform type of foam. The foam volume
remained unchanged during a 5-minute period which Viscosity has an important role in explaining and controlling
suggests that the produced foams have good stability. The many attributes like shelf-life stability and product
results were shown in (Table 2). aesthetics such as clarity, ease of flow, on removal from
packing and spreading when applied to hair. The viscosity
Wetting time
of the prepared formulations was measured at room
The wetting ability of a surfactant is dependent on its temperature using a Brookfield viscometer (R/S plus
concentration and is commonly used to testits efficacy. The rheometer model, LV, USA). 100 ml of the tested shampoo
canvas disc method is quick, efficient and reliable test to was poured in a beaker and an appropriate spindle was
evaluate the wetting ability of a shampoo. The wetting time immersed into it. Readings were recorded after 5 min. of
of three shampoo was found in the order 141 < 157<187 sec rotation at a speed of 10 rpm. The results were shown in
forDove, Himalaya and formulated shampoo respectively. It (Table 2).

Table 2: Physicochemical Evaluation of Formulated and Marketed Shampoo

Parameters Formulated Shampoo Dove Himalaya Shampoo

Color Light green White White
Transparency Clear Milky opaque Clear
Odour Good Good Good
pH 7.02± 0.02 7.25± 0.02 5.72 ± 0.02
%Solid Contents 22.72 ± 0.02 25.72 ± 0.07 25.72 ± 0.01
Dirt Dispersion Moderate Heavy Moderate
Surface Tension (dyne/cm) 22.63 ± 0.06 32.33 ± 0.04 28.45 ± 0.03
Foam producing ability Yes Yes Yes
Foam stability and uniform Good Good Good
Viscosity (mPa.s at RT) 30,000 30,000 50,000
Wetting time(s) 121 131 135

CONCLUSION All the ingredients used to formulate shampoo are safer

than silicones and poly quaterniums synthetic
The present study was carried out with the aim of
conditioning agents and vis a vis can greatly reduce the
preparing the herbal shampoo that reduces hair loss
hair or protein loss during combing. Instead of using
during combing, safer than the chemical conditioning
cationic conditioners we have used Shikakai, Amla, and
agents as well as to strengthen the hair growth. Herbal
other plant extracts to provide the conditioning effects.
shampoo was formulated with the aqueous extract of
medicinal plants that are commonly used for cleansing Several tests were performed to evaluate and compare
hair traditionally. To provide the effective conditioning the physicochemical properties of both prepared and
effects, the present study involves the use of Shikakai, marketed shampoos. Our prepared shampoo showed
Amla, and other plant extracts instead of synthetic. comparable result with that of marketed shampoo for
quality control tests but further research and
The main challenge lies in selection of natural material
development is required to improve its overall quality.
which can be rationally justified and comparable to that
of synthetic material. In present study our aim is to ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
develop an herbal shampoo which would be completely
Authors are gratefully acknowledges to Hindu College of
natural.
Pharmacy, Guntur, A.P. For providing necessary apparatus
We formulated an herbal shampoo by using plant extracts required for research work.
which are commonly used traditionally and lauded for
their hair cleansing actions.
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Source of Support: The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Conflict of Interest: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or
publication of this article.

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