LIQUORICE ANTI ACNE GEL

Ayushi Nilesh Jumle*, Jagruti Zashiram Thaware, Humera Zarrin Ayyub Khan, Kajal Diliprao Gajpure, Pratiksha Sunil Bansod and Mitali Milind Bodhankar

ABSTRACT

The most common skin problem that today’s youth are facing is acne. Many synthetic chemical preparations like anti-acne gels are available on the market with claims that they can cure acne but possess many side effects. Hence, to overcome this problem, switching to herbal acne gel is the better option. Acne gel is a semisolid preparation that fights acne-causing bacteria. It is used to treat acne, which appears as spots or pimples on the face. Synthetic chemicals that are most commonly used in acne formulations are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, etc. The major drawback of benzoyl peroxide is that it has a very short shelf life and it also has no effect on sebum production. Acne returns as soon as the medication is stopped. On the other hand, glycolic acid may cause melisma, and salicylic acid may cause skin tingling or stinging and promote dry skin and peeling. In this article, we prepared an herbal anti-acne gel by using liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn), a powerful antioxidant which contains glycyrretinic acid, which shows anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that have been proven effective against S. aureus (acne causing bacteria). In the present article, we also evaluated it by microbial assay and thin layer chromatography. Along with that, we have added FDA approved Xanthan gum for gel like consistency and also provides hydration to the skin. We also added cucumber glycerite, which contains vitamin E that counters the free radicals that can cause acne with a small amount of preservative.

Keywords: Liquorice, acne, glycyrretinic acid.