Formulation and Evaluation of Natural-based Cosmeceutical Ointments: An Approach to Manage Dry Scalp Dandruff

Abstract

Background: Pityriasis capitis, commonly known as dandruff, is a prevalent, chronic scalp ailment that affects over half of the world's  population. Dry scalp dandruff is a type of dandruff. Ointments are good examples of pharmacological formulations that have emollient  effects on the scalp and hair. Thus, this study aimed at formulating cosmeceutical herbal ointment as an approach to manage dry scalp dandruff disorder.
Methods: Phytochemical screening of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica Linn., family- Euphorbiaceae) powder and Avocado (Persea americana  Mill., family- Lauraceae) oil was carried out. The ointments were formulated using shea butter as base. Physicochemical, cosmeceutical  (conditioning) evaluations, draize skin irritancy test, and stability studies were also carried out.
Results: The natural-based ointment formulations were cream to brown in colour, the formulations had flowery smell, smooth and oily to  gritty and dry texture, pH range of 4.8-7.4. Viscosity was in the range of 20433 to 28007 cp. Spreadability was in the range of 28.49 to 85.24 g.cm/sec. Loss on drying was in the range of 1.77 to 6.73 %. Globule size was in the range of 0.2 – 2.0 µm. The cosmeceutical or  conditioning evaluation showed the average score for shine /oiliness, softness and washability to be 2.6 to 4.6, 2.6 to 3.6 and 3.0  respectively. Draize skin irritancy test showed that there was no inflammation, oedema and erythema observed. The formulations  exhibited stability in terms of colour, smell, texture and there was no syneresis observed, but there was a difference in the pH (4.96-7.02) of all the formulations.
Conclusion: This study has shown that natural based cosmeceutical herbal ointment formulations may be used in managing dry scalp  dandruff disorder through its conditioning activities.