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Prof. Shital. K. Datir,Chaitanya. D.Torawane, Ruchita. T. Bhoye, Kapil.G.Jagtap, Aniruddha. Jadhav, Reshma. A. Jagtap, Hadape. D. Harshada. Formulation and Evaluation of Anti-Pimple Herbal Serum Enriched with Tulsi, Turmeric, Aloe Vera, Neem. IJRPAS, June 2026; 5(6): 166-171.

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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   

Article Information

 

Abstract

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.

 

 

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.

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

  1. Anti-aging serum [18]
  2. Anti-acne serum [18]
  3. Hydrating serum [18]
  4. Skin brightening serum [18]
  5. Vitamin C serum [18]
  6. Herbal serum [18]
  7. Exfoliating serum [18]
  8. 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]

Sr. No.

Ingredients

Quantity (%)

Role

1.       

Tulsi Extract

5

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity

2.       

Turmeric Extract

2

Antioxidant and anti-acne activity

3.       

Aloe vera Gel

20

Moisturizing and soothing agent

4.       

Propylene Glycol

5

Deep Moisture retention,Skin softening

5.       

Polysorbate 20

0.2

Surfactants

6.       

 Vegetable Glycerin

5

Humectant

7.       

Carbopol 940

1

Gelling agent

8.       

Triethanolamine

q.s.

pH adjustment

9.       

Methyl Paraben

0.2

Preservative

10.   

Distilled Water

q.s. to 100

Vehicle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure

  1. Carbopol 940 was dispersed slowly in distilled water with continuous stirring [28].
  2. Aloe vera gel and glycerin were added to the hydrated Carbopol solution .
  3. Tulsi extract,Turmeric extract were added gradually with constant mixing [8-10].
  4. Rose water was incorporated into the mixture .
  5. Methyl paraben was added as preservative .
  6. Triethanolamine was added dropwise to adjust the pH and obtain gel consistency [29].
  7. 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

Sr.No

Parameters

Initial

After 15 Days

After 30 Days

1.       

Color 

Clear light golden-amber 

No Change

No Change

2.       

Odor 

Pleasant Tulsi aroma 

No Change

No Change

3.       

Texture

Smooth fluid gel 

Smooth fluid gel

Smooth fluid gel

4.       

Homogeneity

Excellent 

Excellent

Excellent

5.       

Skin-After-feel

Fast absorbing and non-greasy 

Fast absorbing and non-greasy 

Fast absorbing and non-greasy 

RESULT AND DISCUSION

Sr. No

Evaluation Parameter

Inference

1.       

Color 

Clear light golden-amber 

2.       

Odor 

Pleasant Tulsi aroma 

3.       

Texture

Smooth fluid gel 

4.       

Homogeneity

Excellent 

5.       

Skin-After-feel

Fast absorbing and non-greasy 

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.

REFERENCES

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  3. Williams HC, et al. Acne vulgaris overview. Lancet.
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  8. Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi). International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine.
  9. Gupta SC, et al. Therapeutic roles of curcumin: Lessons learned from clinical trials. AAPS Journal.
  10. Biswas K, et al. Biological activities and medicinal properties of Neem (Azadirachta indica). Current Science.
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  17. Barel AO, et al. Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology.
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  21. Ali SM, et al. Anti-inflammatory herbal preparations.
  22. Pandey S, et al. Moisturizing effects of herbal products.
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  27. Rowe RC. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients.
  28. Lieberman HA. Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Disperse Systems.
  29. Allen LV. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy.
  30. Indian Pharmacopoeia. Government of India.
  31. Garg A, Aggarwal D. Evaluation parameters of topical formulations.
  32. Indian Standard Specifications for Cosmetic Products.
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  34. Mutimer MN, et al. Modern ointment base technology.
  35. Lachman L, Lieberman HA. Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms.
  36. OECD Guidelines for Skin Irritation Testing.
  37. ICH Guidelines Q1A(R2) for Stability Testing.

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