FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NATURAL KERATIN SHAMPOO

Saurabh Sharma*, Madhvi Jain, Ravi Prakash, Dinesh Upadhyay, Subhranshu Panda

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a natural keratin-based shampoo using herbal ingredients with the aim of developing a safe and effective alternative to conventional synthetic shampoos. Hair damage caused by environmental factors, chemical treatments, and oxidative stress has increased the demand for natural hair care products enriched with strengthening and conditioning agents. In this study, keratin was isolated from human hair using an alkaline hydrolysis method and incorporated into a shampoo formulation containing natural ingredients such as reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), shikakai (Acacia concinna), amla (Emblica officinalis), and flaxseed gel. The prepared shampoo was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including physical appearance, pH, viscosity, foam formation, foam stability, wetting time, surface tension, and conditioning performance. The results showed that the formulation possessed desirable characteristics such as acceptable pH, good viscosity, stable foam, and effective cleansing action. The herbal components contributed natural surfactant, antioxidant, and conditioning properties, while keratin enhanced hair strength and repair. The formulation was found to be stable and non-irritant, indicating its suitability for regular use. Overall, the developed natural keratin shampoo demonstrated promising performance and can serve as a potential eco-friendly and herbal alternative for hair care. Further studies are recommended to evaluate its long-term efficacy and commercial feasibility.