A Polyherbal Approach to Hair Care: Development and Evaluation of a Solid Shampoo Bar

The increasing demand for natural and eco-friendly hair care products has led to the development of herbal-based alternatives to conventional shampoos and conditioners. In ancient times, natural extracts and resources were widely used for health care and cosmetic purposes. In line with this tradition, there has been a tremendous increase in consumer demand for natural ingredients and additives—especially in cosmetic products—as replacements for synthetic compounds. This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a polyherbal solid shampoo bar using key herbal ingredients such as Emblicaofficinalis (Amla), Sapindusmukorossi (Soapnut), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus), and Aloe vera, along with a minimal number of natural excipients. The formulation aims to provide effective cleansing, conditioning, and nourishment with fewer ingredients, making it cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. The prepared shampoo bar was evaluated for physicochemical properties including pH, foamability, cleansing efficiency, hardness, and stability. The results indicated that the simplified formulation exhibited good lathering capacity, acceptable pH suitable for scalp application, and stability under various storage conditions. This study suggests that a reduced-ingredient herbal shampoo bar can serve as an effective, safe, and sustainable alternative to conventional hair care products.