Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{205660,
        author = {RAKESH},
        title = {FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTI ACNE GEL},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {8133-8141},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205660},
        abstract = {The historical utilization of folk herbal medicine for skin health spans thousands of years, with even great apes observed using herbs for self-treatment. Currently, the World Health Organization estimates that over 80% of individuals in developing countries rely on traditional medicine for primary health needs. India, often called the "botanical garden of the world," remains a central hub for this research due to its vast collection of medicinal herbs. The resurgence of interest in herbal treatments is driven by a shift toward holistic healthcare, as patients seek alternatives to conventional medications to avoid side effects and chemical exposure. Medicinal plants serve not only as direct therapeutic agents but also as critical starting materials for drug synthesis.
Dermatological Disorders and Traditional Remedies The research identifies and categorizes several common skin conditions, detailing their pathology and traditional herbal treatments: Acne: Clogged pores resulting in blackheads and pimples; treated with fruit acids (citric, glycolic) and plants like Acacia catechu and Allium sativum. Psoriasis: A hyper-proliferative autoimmune disorder affecting 1-3% of the global population; managed with Aloe vera and Turmeric.
Ringworm: A contagious fungal infection resulting in ring-shaped rashes; treated with Neem and black walnut.
Furuncles (Boils): Deep hair follicle infections often caused by Staphylococcus aureus; addressed with Neem, garlic, and Amla. Other Conditions: The study also reviews dermatitis, scabies, skin cancer, vitiligo, and warts, noting specific herbs such as chamomile for dermatitis and red ginseng for skin cancer. Pharmacological Profiles of Key Herbs The project focuses on four primary medicinal plants:
Azedarach indica (Neem): Contains active constituents like azadirachtin. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticarcinogenic properties, making it effective for boils, eczema, and septic sores. Curcuma longa (Turmeric): Contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenol. It is used to provide skin lustre and treat conditions ranging from wound healing to skin cancer. Aloe vera: Recognized for accelerating wound healing by increasing blood circulation. Clinical studies cited show significant improvement (83.3%) in plaque psoriasis compared to placebos. Triad procumbens (Coat Button): Rich in alkaloids and flavonoids, it possesses immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities, used in folk medicine for wounds and skin diseases.
Conventional vs. Herbal Approaches The study highlights significant drawbacks of conventional treatments, including side effects (dryness, irritation), chemical sensitivity, antibiotic resistance, and high costs. In contrast, herbal alternatives offer natural ingredients, a holistic approach that addresses underlying causes, fewer reported side effects, and environmental sustainability. Experimental Objective and Methodology The primary objective of this project was to understand dermatological disorders and formulate an herbal gel using extractions of Triad procumbens and Azedarach indica (Neem). The methodology involved:
Collection and Extraction: Herbs were selected based on age and health, then extracted via a 7-day maceration process in ethanol. Formulation: The active extracts (5% each) were dispersed in propylene glycol. Carbopol 940 (3%) was used as a thickening agent/rheology modifier to create a gel-like consistency. Stabilization: Methyl paraben was added as a preservative, and Monoethanolamide (MEA) was utilized to adjust the final pH to 6. Results and Conclusion The formulation resulted in a green, translucent, non-sticky topical gel. Evaluation parameters confirmed a stable pH of 6, "good" homogeneity, and "good" spreadability, with no observed skin irritation. While the visual observation during the procedure noted a green color, the final result table recorded a white color, though all other consistency and pH parameters remained consistent with the target objectives. The study concludes that herbal drugs are effective, well-tolerated options for managing skin conditions, offering a promising, nature-derived path for future dermatological care.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {June},
        }