Formulation and evaluation of herbal anti-tanning cream containing Curcuma longa extract

Skin tanning caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a common dermatological concern. Conventional anti-tanning products often contain synthetic chemicals that may cause skin irritation and other adverse effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal anti-tanning cream using natural ingredients such as turmeric extract, coffee extract, aloe vera gel, rose extract, cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax, glycerine, vitamin E, and methyl paraben. The cream was prepared using an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsification technique. Four formulations (F1–F4) were developed by varying the concentrations of herbal extracts. The prepared creams were evaluated for physicochemical parameters including appearance, pH, homogeneity, spreadability, washability, viscosity, skin irritation, and stability. Among all formulations, F3 exhibited optimum characteristics with a pH of 5.8, good spreadability (6.8 g·cm/sec), excellent homogeneity, and no signs of irritation. Stability studies revealed that the formulation remained stable without phase separation or significant changes in color or odor. The results indicate that the developed herbal anti-tanning cream is safe, stable, and effective for cosmetic applications and may serve as a natural alternative to synthetic anti-tanning products.