Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Foot Crack Cream

Rupesh S. Shirude*, Huzaif A. Shaikh, Shakir Ansari, Mr. T.F. Sayyad

DCS’s ARA College of Pharmacy, Nagaon: 442001, Maharashtra, India.

*Correspondence: rupeshss2209@gmail.com

 DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4407

INTRODUCTION

Cracked heels, medicinally known as heel fissures, are a common foot condition caused primarily by dryness, lack of moisture, and environmental factors such as prolonged standing, walking barefoot, or wearing open footwear. The absence of sebaceous glands on the feet contributes to excessive dryness, making the skin vulnerable to thickening, splitting, and painful wounds. If not treated properly, cracked heels can lead to severe infections and discomfort. Foot care products, especially topical formulations like creams and gels, are designed to moisturize, heal, and protect the affected skin. In recent years, the use of herbal ingredients in cosmetic formulations has gained significant attention due to  their natural origin, biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness, and minimal side effects. Herbal cosmetics or cosmeceuticals.                                                                                                                                                                 Combine the aesthetic appeal of cosmetics with the therapeutic action of pharmaceutical agents, thereby offering both skin nourishment and healing. This study focuses on developing a herbal foot crack cream        

using naturally sourced ingredients such as Aloe vera and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. These plants have been extensively documented in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. In addition to Aloe vera and Hibiscus, ingredients like turmeric, Glycerin, coconut oil, and borax contribute to the cream’s therapeutic and moisturizing effects.

The objective of this review-based formulations study is to develop a natural, effective, and safe topical application for cracked heels and to evaluate its key physicochemical parameters  such as  pH, spreadability, washability, and skin irritancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MATERIALS

The herbal foot crack cream was formulated using a combination of natural ingredients known for their skin-healing, moisturizing, and antimicrobial properties. Each component was carefully selected for its traditional use and scientific support in dermatological applications. The materials used in the formulation are described below:

Aloe vera Gel (Aloe barbadensis miller): Extracted from fresh leaves, Aloe vera is widely known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties. It acts as a natural moisturizer and promotes regeneration of skin tissues.

Hibiscus Extract (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): Obtained by boiling hibiscus petals in water, the extract is rich in antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). It promotes exfoliation, smooths dry skin, and enhances the elasticity of the skin.

Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin. It keeps the formulation hydrated and ensures long-lasting moisturization on the skin.

Borax: Used as a mild antiseptic and emulsifier, borax helps in blending the water and oil phases of the cream and contributes to the cream’s texture.

Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, which has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps reduce skin infections and accelerates healing.

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera): Rich in medium-chain fatty acids, it deeply nourishes dry skin and forms a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss.

White Beeswax: Acts as a natural thickener and skin protectant. It also provides a semi-solid base and enhances the stability of the formulation.

Sandalwood Powder (Santalum album): Offers soothing and aromatic properties. It also has mild antimicrobial activity.

Tragacanth: A natural gum used as a thickening and  gelling  agent. It provides consistency to the cream and improves its spreadability.

Rose Water:  Used as a fragrant aqueous base, rose water also possesses astringent and  cooling properties that soothe irritated skin.

All the ingredients used were either extracted in the laboratory (Aloe vera and hibiscus) or sourced from the local market in pure form. The combination of these materials creates a synergistic effect to treat cracked heels effectively while being gentle and safe on the skin.

METHODOLOGY

1.      Extraction of Aloe Vera Gel: Mature and healthy leaves of Aloe barbadensis miller were collected, washed thoroughly with distilled water, and dried. The outer green rind was removed carefully using a sterile knife to extract the inner transparent gel. The gel was then filtered through a muslin cloth to remove unwanted particles and fibers. The clear aloe gel was used freshly in the formulation.

2.      Extraction of Hibiscus Flower: A fixed volume of distilled water was boiled, and the vessel was then removed from the heat source. Fresh, clean petals of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were added to the hot water and allowed to steep. After cooling, the mixture was filtered to obtain a reddish extract rich in phytoconstituents. The extract was stored in a clean container for further use.

3.      Preparation of Herbal Foot Crack Cream:

The cream was prepared using a two-phase system to enhance stability and uniformity.

Oil Phase Preparation:

Ingredients soluble in oil—such as Coconut oil, White Beeswax, and Borax—were taken in a beaker.This mixture was gently heated using a water bath until the beeswax melted and a uniform solution was obtained.

Aqueous Phase Preparation:

        Ingredients like Aloe vera gel, Glycerin, Hibiscus extract, Rose water, Sandalwood powder,  Turmeric powder, and Tragacanth were mixed separately in another beaker. The mixture was stirred continuously until all components were well dispersed.

       Emulsion Formation:

       The hot oil phase was slowly added to the aqueous phase with continuous stirring using a mechanical stirrer or glass rod. Mixing was continued until a homogenous, semisolid emulsion (cream) was formed.

EVALUATION OF THE HERBAL  FOOT CRACK CREAM

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

·         pH Determination: The pH of the formulation was measured using a digital pH meter to ensure compatibility with human skin.

·         Spreadability: The ease of application was assessed by measuring the time required for the cream to spread under a fixed weight.

·         Viscosity: A Brookfield viscometer was used to determine the viscosity, ensuring optimal consistency.

·         Stability Study: The formulation was subjected to accelerated stability testing under different temperature conditions to evaluate its shelf life.

     THERAPEUTIC EVALUATION

·         Antimicrobial    Activity:    The    antibacterial    efficacy    of   the    cream    was    tested                            against

Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method.

·         Irritancy Test: Apply a small amount of the cream to a marked area. Apply a control to another nearby area. Or use sterile gauze and hypoallergic tape to cover both areas.

      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The prepared herbal foot crack cream showed satisfactory physical characteristics including a smooth texture, pleasant fragrance, and light pink color. The pH of the cream was found to be 6.2, indicating it is skin-friendly and non-irritant. It exhibited good spreadability and was easily washable with water. No signs of phase separation, microbial growth, or discoloration were observed during a 30-day stability test. The combined action of Aloe vera, Hibiscus, Turmeric, and Coconut oil provided moisturizing, healing, and antimicrobial effects. Overall, the cream was found to be effective, stable, and suitable for treating cracked heels.

CONCLUSION

The formulated herbal foot crack cream using natural ingredients such as Aloe vera gel, Hibiscus extract, and Turmeric proved to be effective in healing and preventing cracked heels. The cream exhibited good physical properties, was skin-friendly, and showed no signs of irritation or instability. Its herbal composition provides added benefits like moisturization, antimicrobial action, and skin repair. Thus, this herbal formulation offers a safe, effective, and economical alternative to synthetic foot care products.

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