Preparation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Panchavalakla Kashaya Extract Shower Gel

Shower gel for infants is a mild, liquid cleansing product designed specifically for the delicate skin of infants, offering a gentle alternative to traditional soaps. Shower gels formulated with Ayurvedic ingredients make specific therapeutic claims like treating skin diseases. Their scope in Ayurveda involves using herbal extracts for cleansing, skin nourishment, and balancing doshas. Shower gels designed for paediatric applications, particularly within Ayurveda frameworks like Kaumarabhrithya, must undergo rigorous physicochemical standardization to safeguard delicate infant skin, which features a thinner stratum corneum, higher permeability, and a natural pH of 4.5-5.5 that supports the acid mantle against microbial threats and maintains barrier integrity.123 In paediatric dermatology, such products play a pivotal role by preventing irritation, dryness, and conditions like eczema or diaper rash through mild surfactants and balanced formulations that preserve skin lipids and hydration.45 Ayurvedic shower gels, often incorporating herbal extracts, emphasize natural cleansers that gently remove impurities without stripping essential oils, promoting holistic skin health in toddlers by enhancing barrier function and reducing inflammation risks associated with alkaline soaps.657 This study details the comprehensive evaluation of panchavalkala Kashaya extract shower gel sample, Standardized parameters encompassed organoleptic properties (colour, odour, appearance, consistency), specific gravity, refractive index, pH, foaming index, foam retention, spreadability via parallel plate method, and washability under running water.6 These assessments ensure the gel's compatibility with infant skin physiology, where low-foam, pH-neutral profiles minimize trans epidermal water loss and support microbiome balance critical for preventing atopic dermatitis.13