Formulation and Evaluation of Antiacne Emulgel Using Aloe vera

Introduction

Emulgels are emerging as efficient topical drug delivery systems due to their dual-release mechanism, combining the benefits of both emulsions and gels. This system facilitates the enhanced delivery of hydrophobic drugs directly to the target site. Aloe vera, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, offers a promising herbal approach in emulgel formulations for acne treatment.

Materials and Methods

In this study, Aloe vera-based emulgels were formulated using sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) as the gelling agent. A series of formulations (F1-F5) were developed and evaluated for key physicochemical parameters including physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, in vitro drug release, antiacne activity, and stability. The influence of formulation variables on viscosity and drug release was assessed to optimize the formulation.

Results

Among the tested formulations, F4 exhibited the most favorable characteristics. It showed a pH within the skin-compatible range, excellent spreadability and extrudability, high drug content (91.64%), and the highest drug release (83.51%) within 4 hr. Furthermore, F4 demonstrated significant antiacne activity, showing a 21 mm zone of inhibition at a 50 µL concentration against Propionibacterium acnes. The formulation remained stable under accelerated conditions.

Conclusion

The optimized Aloe vera-based herbal emulgel, utilizing sodium CMC as a gelling agent, demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties and promising anti-acne efficacy. Thus, it can be considered a potential candidate for topical treatment of acne infections, offering a safe and effective herbal alternative.