Formulation and Evaluation of Lip Balm Using Different Herbal Pigments

Background: Lip balm is one popular formulation in cosmetic field. The primary role of lip balm is to treat dry lips and prevent their dehydration. Some lip balm utilized chemical-based synthetic dyes causes side effects and has short moisturizing effect compared to the natural formulation. Aim: In current research study, the lip balm batches were prepared with natural pigments to minimize side effects and to maintain the moisturizing effects for long duration. Materials and Methods: The 10 batches of lip balm were formulated using extracted pigment from pigment of Opuntia fruit, pigment of Curcuma longa, pigment of Nyctanthes arbortristis flowers, pigment of Centaurea orientalis flowers and carotene by using fusion method. The ingredients of lip balm include a moisturizer, an emollient, and opacifying agent, antioxidant, antiseptic, SPF (UV-protection). All batches of lip balm were evaluated for pH, softening point, spreading aging stability, texture, color melting point, surface abnormality, perfume stability and skin irritability. Results: All 10 batches of lip balm showed smooth texture and no surface abnormalities. All formulations were stable, convenient, and effective to apply. The perfume was retained during and after aging stability study. Conclusion: It was concluded that the lip balm prepared using herbal pigments also bears ideal characteristic of lip balm.