Hair Washing Formulations from Aloe elegans Todaro Gel: The Potential for Making Hair Shampoo

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the gross phytochemical constituents of Aloe elegans Todaro gel and evaluate the characteristics and quality of lab-made hair washing formulations prepared from the gel to show its potential in formulating hair washing shampoos. A. elegans gel mass was prepared from mature, healthy leaves collected from natural stand. Samples of 100% methanol extract of the gel were subjected to standard phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. Five hair washing formulations (Fs) were, likewise, prepared by mixing 4.0–10.0 mL of gel with one (0.05 mL) to two (0.10 mL) drops of six synthetic and natural ingredients, namely, coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, pure glycerin oil, lemon juice, and vitamin E. The gel to the total ingredient ratios (v/v) of the five formulations were 93 : 7 (F1), 94.5 : 5.5 (F2), 96.4 : 3.6 (F3), and 96.6 : 3.4 (F4 and F5). The formulations were evaluated using sensory inspection and common physicochemical methods. The phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis revealed that A. elegans gel is the source of important chemical constituents used in the formulation of shampoos and similar products including saponins, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and phytol. Lab-made A. elegans hair washing formulations, especially those with 96.4–96.6% gel, were found to have similar characteristics and qualities with a common marketed shampoo. All the formulations were turbid with characteristic odor as the marketed shampoo. The pH values of the hair washing formulations (6.4–4.6) were comparable to those of the marketed shampoo (6.7). Formulations with higher proportion of gel had better foam stability, higher solid content (26–29%), higher surface tension (33–38 dynes/cm), shorter wetting time (150–160 sec), equivalent viscosities (26.45–26.73 poise), and conditioning performance than the marketed shampoo. These findings demonstrate that A. elegans gel mass can be used in the formulation of good-quality hair washing shampoos. We recommend future studies that aim to develop the phytochemical profile of the plant and a refined protocol of hair washing shampoo formulation.

Chemical structures, biological activities, and medicinal potentials of amine compounds detected from Aloe species

“…Aloe species are used in the preparation of traditional hair washing shampoos, which are transformed into industrial products in cosmetic and personal care (Sbhatu et al, 2020). Aloes ability to penetrate the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, expelling grease and bacteria from pores and inducing new cell production, which speeds up healing, is why they are used in cosmetics (de Rodriguez et al, 2006).…”

Formulation of Botanical Shampoo Infused with Standardised Mangosteen Peel Extract for Healthy Hair and Scalp

“…The prepared shampoo was evaluated based on its colour, clarity, texture, and odour at room temperature [7,8].…”

“…The wetting ability of the shampoo formulation was assessed using the combined canvas disc method adopted from Sbhatu et al [8] and Mainkar et al [15]. A canvas paper was cut into 1-inch diameter with a mean weight of 0.44 g. A total of 400 mL of 1% v/v shampoo solution was prepared in a 500 mL graduated measuring cylinder.…”

In vitro micropropagation of Aloe elegans Tod. using offshoot cuttings

“…Preliminary studies on its ethnobotany and phytochemistry of its gel have showed that A. elegans has high potential as sources of cosmetic and toiletry, medicinal, and pharmaceutical products [ 3 – 5 ]. However, we have observed the plant in many parts of the Tigrai floristic region as thinly populated.…”