Formulation and
Evaluation of Anti-Pimple Herbal Serum Enriched with Tulsi, Turmeric, Aloe
Vera, Neem
Prof.
Shital. K. Datir*,Chaitanya. D.Torawane, Ruchita. T. Bhoye, Kapil.G.Jagtap,
Aniruddha. Jadhav, Reshma. A. Jagtap,
Hadape. D. Harshada
NGSPM’S College of Pharmacy, Anjaneri, Trimbakeshwar,
Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Correspondence: mohammedaslambagban@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2026.5614
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Article
Information
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Abstract
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Research Article
Received: 15/06/2026
Accepted:
18/06/2026
Published:30/06/2026
Keywords
Herbal
serum;
Anti-pimple
serum; Tulsi; Turmeric; Aloe vera; Neem; Rose water; Herbal cosmetics; Acne
vulgaris; Natural skincare.
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Acne vulgaris is one of the most
common skin disorders affecting adolescents and adults. Synthetic anti-acne
preparations may produce adverse effects such as dryness, irritation, redness,
and hypersensitivity . Herbal formulations are gaining importance due to
their safety, efficacy, and minimal side effects . The present study aimed to
formulate and evaluate an anti-pimple herbal serum containing Tulsi,
Turmeric, Aloe vera, Ghee, Rose water, and Neem. The serum was prepared using
natural ingredients possessing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
moisturizing, and skin-healing properties . The prepared formulation was
evaluated for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity,
stability, washability, and skin irritation. The results showed that the
serum possessed good consistency, acceptable pH, smooth texture, and
excellent spreadability without causing irritation. The formulation
demonstrated potential anti-acne activity due to the synergistic effect of
herbal ingredients. Hence, the prepared herbal serum can be considered a safe
and effective topical preparation for the management of pimples and acne.
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INTRODUCTION
Skin is the largest organ of the
human body and acts as a protective barrier against environmental pollutants, microorganisms,
and harmful radiation [1]. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory condition of
the sebaceous glands characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and
redness [2]. Excess sebum production, bacterial infection, hormonal imbalance,
and blockage of pores are the major causes of acne [3].
Modern cosmetic and pharmaceutical
preparations used for acne treatment often contain synthetic chemicals that may
cause irritation and allergic reactions [4]. Herbal cosmetics have become
increasingly popular because they are safer, eco-friendly, economical, and
associated with fewer side effects [5].
Herbal serums are lightweight
topical formulations containing concentrated active ingredients that penetrate
deeply into the skin for rapid action and better therapeutic effects [6].
Natural ingredients such as Tulsi, Turmeric, Aloe vera, Neem, Rose water, and
Ghee possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and
healing properties, making them suitable for anti-pimple formulations [7].
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
possesses strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties useful in
reducing acne-causing bacteria [8]. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains
curcumin, which exhibits antioxidant and wound-healing activity [9]. Neem (Azadirachta
indica) is widely used in herbal skincare preparations because of its
antibacterial and antifungal properties [10]. Aloe vera acts as a soothing and
moisturizing agent that promotes skin healing and hydration [11]. Rose water
functions as a natural toner and skin refresher [12], whereas Ghee provides
nourishment and maintains skin softness [13].
Therefore, the present research work
focuses on the formulation and evaluation of an anti-pimple herbal serum using
natural ingredients for effective skincare and acne management.
Herbal Serum
Herbal serum is a concentrated
cosmetic preparation containing plant-based active ingredients intended for
topical application on the skin [14]. It is designed to deliver active
constituents deeply into the skin for rapid action and better therapeutic
effects [15].
Serum
A serum is a lightweight skincare
product having low viscosity and high concentration of active ingredients [16].
Serums are generally water-based or gel-based and are easily absorbed into the
skin [17].
Types of Serum
- Anti-aging serum [18]
- Anti-acne serum [18]
- Hydrating serum [18]
- Skin brightening serum [18]
- Vitamin C serum [18]
- Herbal serum [18]
- Exfoliating serum [18]
- Night repair serum [18]
Benefits of Herbal Anti-Pimple Serum
- Reduces pimples and acne [19]
- Prevents bacterial growth [20]
- Reduces inflammation and
redness [21]
- Moisturizes and nourishes skin
[22]
- Improves skin texture [23]
- Enhances skin healing [24]
- Provides natural glow [25]
- Minimizes acne scars [26]
Formulation of Anti-Pimple Herbal Serum
Table 1:
Formulation of Anti-Pimple Herbal Serum & Role of Ingredients[27]
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Sr. No.
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Ingredients
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Quantity (%)
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Role
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1.
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Tulsi Extract
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5
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Antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory activity
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2.
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Turmeric Extract
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2
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Antioxidant and anti-acne activity
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3.
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Aloe vera Gel
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20
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Moisturizing and soothing agent
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4.
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Propylene Glycol
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5
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Deep Moisture retention,Skin
softening
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5.
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Polysorbate 20
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0.2
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Surfactants
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6.
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Vegetable Glycerin
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5
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Humectant
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7.
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Carbopol 940
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1
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Gelling agent
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8.
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Triethanolamine
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q.s.
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pH adjustment
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9.
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Methyl Paraben
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0.2
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Preservative
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10.
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Distilled Water
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q.s. to 100
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Vehicle
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Procedure
- Carbopol 940 was dispersed slowly in distilled water
with continuous stirring [28].
- Aloe vera gel and glycerin were added to the hydrated
Carbopol solution .
- Tulsi extract,Turmeric extract were added gradually
with constant mixing [8-10].
- Rose water was incorporated into the mixture .
- Methyl paraben was added as preservative .
- Triethanolamine was added dropwise to adjust the pH and
obtain gel consistency [29].
- The prepared serum was transferred into an airtight
container and stored at room temperature.[30]
Evaluation Parameters
1. Physical Appearance
The formulation was observed for
color, odor, texture, and consistency [31].
2. pH Determination
The pH of the
serum was determined using a digital pH meter [32].
3. Homogeneity
The serum was visually inspected for
uniformity and absence of lumps [31].
4. Viscosity
Viscosity was measured using
Brookfield viscometer [33].
5. Spreadability
Spreadability was determined by
applying serum between glass slides [34].
6. Washability
The ease of removal of serum using
water was evaluated [35].
7. Skin Irritation Test
The serum was applied on the skin
and observed for irritation, redness, or itching [36].
8. Stability Study
The formulation was stored at room temperature
and evaluated periodically for changes in appearance, pH, and consistency [37].
Table No 2 :Stability Study
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Sr.No
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Parameters
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Initial
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After
15 Days
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After
30 Days
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1.
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Color
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Clear light golden-amber
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No Change
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No Change
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2.
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Odor
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Pleasant Tulsi aroma
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No Change
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No Change
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3.
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Texture
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Smooth fluid gel
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Smooth fluid gel
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Smooth fluid gel
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4.
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Homogeneity
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Excellent
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5.
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Skin-After-feel
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Fast absorbing and non-greasy
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Fast absorbing and non-greasy
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Fast absorbing and non-greasy
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RESULT AND DISCUSION
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Sr.
No
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Evaluation
Parameter
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Inference
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1.
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Color
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Clear light golden-amber
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2.
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Odor
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Pleasant Tulsi aroma
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3.
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Texture
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Smooth fluid gel
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4.
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Homogeneity
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Excellent
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5.
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Skin-After-feel
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Fast absorbing and non-greasy
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Table No 3 :Result
CONCLUSION
The present study successfully
formulated and evaluated an anti-pimple herbal serum containing Tulsi extract,
Turmeric extract, and Aloe vera gel. The prepared serum was evaluated for
various parameters such as physical appearance, pH, homogeneity, spreadability,
washability, viscosity, skin irritation, and stability.
The formulation showed good
consistency, smooth texture, satisfactory spreadability, suitable pH, and no signs
of skin irritation. The herbal ingredients exhibited antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and healing properties which may help in
reducing pimples and improving skin health.
The study concludes that the
formulated herbal serum can be considered a safe, effective, and economical
herbal preparation for acne and pimple management with minimal side effects.
Further studies can be carried out for advanced clinical evaluation and
long-term stability assessment.
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