Facial cleansing maintains skin health, but many commercial cleansers use synthetic surfactants that may irritate or dry sensitive skin. Natural alternatives are therefore desirable. A natural facial cleanser was formulated using Houttuynia cordata extract (HCe) and coconut oil, two locally sourced ingredients in Vietnam. HCe, rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, was extracted and tested for antibacterial activity at 8% (v/v) against Staphylococcus aureus. Coconut oil, abundant in saturated fatty acids, was included for moisturization and skin barrier reinforcement. Carbomer 940 was used to optimize viscosity and texture. HCe at 8% produced an inhibition zone of 8 mm against S. aureus. The cleanser formulation maintained stable pH, satisfactory viscosity, and structural integrity over three weeks, while retaining antibacterial activity. The HCe–coconut oil formulation demonstrated effective cleansing and antimicrobial properties, suggesting its potential as a promising natural alternative to conventional facial cleansers.
My et al. (Tue,) studied this question.