Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Skin Gel Containing Liquorice, Papaya and Butterfly Pea Flower Extract

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal topical gel containing Papaya, Butterfly pea flower, and Liquorice for potential skincare applications. Herbal gels have gained increasing attention in cosmetic and dermatological formulations due to their natural origin, better skin compatibility, and lower risk of adverse effects. The selected herbal ingredients were chosen for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, skin-brightening, and moisturizing properties. Papaya extract was used for enzymatic exfoliation and depigmentation, butterfly pea flower for antioxidant and anti-aging activity, and liquorice for skin soothing and pigmentation control. The extracts were prepared individually using suitable maceration techniques and incorporated into a gel base formulated with natural gelling agents, namely Gum Katira and flaxseed mucilage. Four formulations (F1–F4) were prepared by varying the concentrations of Gum Katira and flaxseed mucilage while keeping the concentration of herbal extracts constant. The prepared gels were evaluated for physicochemical parameters including color, odor, homogeneity, pH, consistency, spreadability, viscosity, irritancy, after-feel, ease of removal, and stability. All formulations showed satisfactory organoleptic and physicochemical properties with smooth texture, uniform appearance, pleasant odor, and good homogeneity. The pH of all formulations ranged from 6.0 to 6.53, indicating compatibility with skin. Among the formulations, F2 showed optimum consistency, desirable appearance, and acceptable pH, suggesting better suitability for topical application. The results indicate that the developed herbal gel possesses promising characteristics as a natural topical formulation for skincare, with potential applications in hydration, soothing, anti-acne, and skin-brightening treatments.