Development and Evaluation of a Multi-Herbal Face Serum Rich in Natural Antioxidants

Face serums provide targeted benefits such as hydration, anti-aging, skin brightening, acne control, and protection against environmental damage. The herbal ingredients in this formulation include mango leaves, guava leaves, rosemary leaves, and grape seed extract, all rich in antioxidants like mangiferin, flavonoids, polyphenols, and proanthocyanidins that support skin health and delay aging. Mangiferin is a strong polyphenolic antioxidant that neutralizes reactive oxygen species generated by ultra violet radiation and pollution, thereby protecting epidermal and dermal cells from oxidative damage, inflammation, and photoaging. Flavonoids neutralizes free radicals while polyphenols and proanthocyanidins reduces signs of aging and inflammation. This study focuses on the extraction, formulation and evaluation of face serum containing these antioxidant constituents. The serum is prepared using key ingredients like Carbopol 940, glycerin, tween 80, orange oil, vitamin E, sodium benzoate and triethanolamine. The polymer was allowed to swell overnight to which all the ingredients are added one by one with continuous stirring to obtain a homogenous mass. Evaluation revealed a milky white, translucent, homogenous serum with a pH of 5.16 suitable for skin. Spreadability was measured at 0.51gcm/sec while globule size determination was also carried out. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity was found to be 40% and stability studies were conducted at various conditions showed no signs of phase separation. Results indicate that the formulations were skin-friendly, stable and effective providing antioxidant protection, supporting the potential of polyherbal face serums in modern skincare.