Green chemistry in hair care: A review on the formulation, efficacy, and safety profile of herbal shampoos

The global cosmetic industry is experiencing a pivotal shift toward natural hair care as consumers move away from synthetic products. This review examines herbal shampoos, focusing on their phytochemical composition, formulation techniques, and standardized evaluation. Unlike conventional shampoos that use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and parabens which are often linked to scalp irritation and environmental toxicity herbal alternatives utilize plant extracts like Sapindus mukorossi (Reetha) and Acacia concinna (Shikakai). These botanical sources provide natural saponins for gentle cleansing while maintaining the scalp’s physiological pH (5.5 to 7.0). The study details the multi-functional benefits of herbal bioactives, including their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It further outlines essential quality control parameters, such as viscosity, surface tension, and foam stability. While batch consistency and shelf-life remain challenges, advancements in nanotechnology offer improved delivery systems. Standardized herbal shampoos represent a safe, sustainable, and effective solution for modern hair care, provided rigorous quality-assurance protocols are maintained.