Advanced Herbal Skincare Serum: A Science-Based Extraction Approach for Maximum Skin Benefits

Advanced Herbal Skincare Serum: A Science-Based Extraction Approach for Maximum Skin Benefits


Dr. Navdeep Sharma
Institute of Sciences
SAGE University, Indore (M.P.)

Introduction

The demand for natural, chemical-free skincare products is on the rise, with herbal formulations gaining popularity due to their skin-nourishing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This blog provides a detailed step-by-step guide on formulating an herbal skincare serum using modern extraction techniques such as Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), Maceration, and Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE).

Our serum will focus on skin hydration, brightening, and anti-aging benefits using potent herbal ingredients.

Key Herbal Ingredients for Skincare

The following herbs are chosen based on their scientifically proven benefits for the skin:

  1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) → Deeply hydrates and soothes irritated skin.
  2. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) → Rich in antioxidants, fights free radicals, and reduces inflammation.
  3. Rosehip (Rosa canina) → Promotes skin regeneration and brightening.
  4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) → Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties.
  5. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) → Calms sensitive skin and reduces redness.

Step 1: Extraction of Herbal Bioactive Compounds

To ensure maximum potency and efficacy, we use a combination of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), Maceration, and Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE) for extracting active compounds from these herbs.

1.1 Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) of Green Tea and Chamomile

UAE enhances extraction efficiency by breaking down plant cell walls, improving bioactive compound diffusion.

Materials Needed:

  • Green tea leaves (30g) and chamomile flowers (30g)
  • Ethanol-Water Mixture (50:50 v/v, 500 mL)
  • Ultrasonic bath (40 kHz frequency)
  • Glass beaker and filter paper

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the plant material → Dry and grind the green tea leaves and chamomile flowers.
  2. Mix with the solvent → Add the herbs to ethanol-water in a beaker.
  3. Ultrasonic Extraction → Place the beaker in an ultrasonic bath at 40 kHz for 30 minutes at 40°C.
  4. Filtration → Use filter paper to separate the extract.
  5. Concentration → Evaporate excess solvent using a rotary evaporator.

1.2 Maceration of Rosehip and Aloe Vera

Maceration helps extract essential vitamins and hydrating components without degrading heat-sensitive compounds.

Materials Needed:

  • Fresh rosehip berries (50g)
  • Aloe vera gel (50g)
  • Distilled water (500 mL)
  • Glass jar, stirring rod, and filter paper

Procedure:

  1. Crush the rosehip berries and scoop out fresh aloe vera gel.
  2. Immerse in distilled water and allow it to soak for 48 hours at room temperature.
  3. Stir occasionally to enhance the diffusion of active compounds.
  4. Filter and collect the liquid extract.

1.3 Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE) for Turmeric

EAE improves bioavailability by breaking down plant cell walls, allowing better extraction of curcumin from turmeric.

Materials Needed:

  • Fresh turmeric root (30g)
  • Cellulase enzyme (1g)
  • Ethanol-Water Mixture (50:50, 500 mL)
  • Water bath (40°C)

Procedure:

  1. Grind the turmeric root into a fine paste.
  2. Add cellulase enzyme and mix with ethanol-water solvent.
  3. Maintain at 40°C for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Filter to remove residue and obtain the concentrated curcumin extract.

Step 2: Formulation of the Herbal Skincare Serum

Ingredients:

  • Green tea & chamomile extract (50 mL)
  • Rosehip & aloe vera extract (50 mL)
  • Turmeric extract (20 mL)
  • Hyaluronic acid (1g) (For deep hydration)
  • Glycerin (5 mL) (Natural humectant)
  • Vitamin E oil (5 mL) (Antioxidant and anti-aging)

Procedure:

  1. Mix all the herbal extracts in a clean, sterilized glass beaker.
  2. Add hyaluronic acid and glycerin and stir continuously.
  3. Gently mix in vitamin E oil for additional skin benefits.
  4. Stir well to ensure uniform consistency.
  5. Transfer into amber glass dropper bottles for storage.

Step 3: Storage and Application

Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
  • Shelf life: Up to 6 months (if refrigerated).

Application:

  • Apply 2-3 drops daily on clean skin before moisturizer.
  • Use morning and night for best results.

Advantages of Using Advanced Extraction Techniques in Skincare

  1. Higher Concentration of Active Ingredients → UAE and EAE ensure better bioavailability.
  2. Preservation of Antioxidants → Prevents loss of heat-sensitive bioactive compounds.
  3. Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free → Reduces solvent waste and avoids harsh chemicals.
  4. Longer Shelf Life and Stability → Enhanced extraction preserves active compounds.

Challenges and Precautions

  1. Solvent Selection: Ensure all ethanol traces are removed before formulation.
  2. Microbial Growth Prevention: Store in sterile containers to avoid contamination.
  3. Allergy Testing: Conduct patch tests before applying on the face.

Conclusion

By integrating Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), Maceration, and Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE), we have created a scientifically backed herbal skincare serum that delivers hydration, brightening, and anti-aging benefits. The use of modern extraction techniques ensures that the maximum concentration of bioactive compounds is retained, providing an effective, chemical-free alternative for skincare.

This natural, non-toxic formulation is ideal for daily skincare routines, offering long-term benefits without the risks of synthetic additives

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Laboratory Experiments of B.Sc. II Sem BT/FS/CBZ - Experiment: 1

Laboratory Experiments of B.Sc. II Sem BT/FS/CBZ   Dr. Navdeep Sharma Institute of Sciences SAGE University, Indore (M.P.)   Experiment 1 Objective: Synthesis of 2, 4-Dinitrophenylhydrazone Derivative   Material  Required 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNP or DNPH) Carbonyl compound (Aldehyde or Ketone) Ice bath Beaker (100 mL) Stirring rod Filter paper Funnel Principle The reaction between 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and a carbonyl compound (aldehyde or ketone) is a condensation reaction that forms a 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative with the elimination of water. The reaction occurs due to the nucleophilic attack of the hydrazine's -NH₂ group on the electrophilic carbonyl carbon , leading to the formation of a stable C=NNH bond. This reaction is widely used for the identification of aldehydes and ketones, as the resulting yellow, orange, or red precipitate has a distinct melting point, which helps in compound characterization.   R 2 ​ C = O + H...
Read more

Laboratory Experiments of B.Sc. II Sem BT/FS/CBZ - Experiment: 6

    Laboratory Experiments of B.Sc. II Sem BT/FS/CBZ   Dr. Navdeep Sharma Institute of Sciences SAGE University, Indore (M.P.)   Experiment: 6 Objective: Study of Ionic Equilibrium by pH Measurement Theory / Principle: The pH of a solution depends on the degree of ionization of the solute and the nature of its components : Strong acids like HCl ionize completely → low pH Weak acids like acetic acid ionize partially → moderate pH Salts of weak acids and strong bases (e.g., CH₃COONa) undergo hydrolysis , leading to a basic pH Buffer solutions resist changes in pH and maintain near-constant values The pH meter is used to measure the pH values accurately. Materials Required: Chemicals Apparatus 0.1 M HCl (strong acid) pH meter with glass electrode 0.1 M CH₃COOH (weak acid) Beakers (100 mL) 0.1 M CH₃COONa (salt) ...
Read more

Laboratory Experiments of B.Sc. II Sem BT/FS/CBZ - Experiment: 2

  Laboratory Experiments of B.Sc. II Sem BT/FS/CBZ   Dr. Navdeep Sharma Institute of Sciences SAGE University, Indore (M.P.)   Experiment 2 Objective: Synthesis of Oxime from a Carbonyl Compound                                                 Objective: To synthesize an oxime from an aldehyde or ketone using hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH₂OH·HCl) . Materials Required: Carbonyl compound (aldehyde or ketone) – 2 mL Hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH₂OH·HCl) – 2 g Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (10%) – 5 mL Ethanol (or methanol) – 10 mL Distilled water – 10 mL Ice bath Beaker (50 mL or 100 mL) Glass rod Filter paper & funnel Watch glass Ste...
Read more