FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CREAM FOR HYPOPIGMENTATION

Khushali D. Jepulkar*, Humaira Firdoas Abdul Saleem, Janhvi S. Waster, Kewal G. Mekalwar,
Bhagyashri S. Patil

ABSTRACT

Skin pigmentation is a natural phenomenon that plays an important part in the appearance and biology of all animals including humans. The process of melanogenesis, which results in the formation of the pigment melanin within melanocytes, determines skin color. Disturbance in these pathway leads to different skin disorders like hypopigmentation, leukoderma, vitiligo etc. Hypopigmentation is a skin condition characterized by reduced or absent melanin production, leading to light or white patches on the skin. It may arise due to genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, infections, skin injury or exposure to chemicals. Common examples include vitiligo and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. Conventional synthetic treatments such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and psoralen-based therapies are used, but prolonged use may cause irritation, erythema, skin thinning, and photosensitivity. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of an herbal cream for management of hypopigmentation. The formulation includes bakuchi oil, Turmeric extract,Neem extract, Aloe vera incorporated into a suitable cream base. The prepared cream was evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, stability and appearance. The herbal ingredients used are known to promote melanocyte activity and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Based on the findings, the herbal formulation can be consider as a safe, effective, and economical alternatives to synthetic treatments with improved patient acceptability and minimal side effects, offering potential benefits in long-term management of hypopigmentation.

Keywords: Hypopigmentation, Herbal cream, Bakuchi oil, Melanin, Antioxidant, Topical formulation.