FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FACE SERUM CONTAINING BEE VENOM AND ALOE VERA GEL

Abstract

Facial wrinkles and skin aging are undesirable outcome of photodamage and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Currently no effective strategies are available to delay skin aging process. Aloe Vera, glycerin and honeybee venom face serum is a highly concentrated cosmetic product. When using aloe Vera we get not only a quick cosmetic effects but also psychological satisfactions, serum has a property of rapid absorption and ability to penetrate into deeper layer of the skin. Aloe Vera gel is commonly used to treat different skin disease, sun burn, minor cuts, insect bites, and used as wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect. Bee venom is a defensive toxin produced by bees and is reported to increase blood flow and collagen production. The face serum was evaluated for its physiochemical parameters, pH, globule size, consistency. The stability study results showed that there was no change in visual appearance, homogeneity and globule size.

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Ojha et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
1100
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FACE SERUM
CONTAINING BEE VENOM AND ALOE VERA GEL
Smriti Ojha*, Surabhi Sinha, Swadhapriya Das Chaudhuri, Hina Chadha, Babita
Aggarwal, Seema Mahor Jain, Ajeet and Meenu
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vishveshwarya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida
(UP), 203207, India.
ABSTRACT
Facial wrinkles and skin aging are undesirable outcome of
photodamage and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Currently no effective
strategies are available to delay skin aging process. Aloe Vera, glycerin
and honeybee venom face serum is a highly concentrated cosmetic
product. When using aloe Vera we get not only a quick cosmetic
effects but also psychological satisfactions, serum has a property of
rapid absorption and ability to penetrate into deeper layer of the skin.
Aloe Vera gel is commonly used to treat different skin disease, sun
burn, minor cuts, insect bites, and used as wound healing, anti-
inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect. Bee venom is a
defensive toxin produced by bees and is reported to increase blood
flow and collagen production. The face serum was evaluated for its physiochemical
parameters, pH, globule size, consistency. The stability study results showed that there was
no change in visual appearance, homogeneity and globule size.
KEYWORD: Cosmetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, face serum.
INTRODUCTION
Serums is a skin care product containing a gel or lightweight lotion or moisturizing
consistency and have ability to penetrates deeper to deliver active ingredients into the skin. A
good skin Serum may provide your skin a firmer, smoother texture, make pores appear
smaller and increase moisture levels.[1] Whether it is moisturizer, anti-wrinkle or anti-aging
product or skin serum, all these products should contain antioxidants, cell-communicating
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
SJIF Impact Factor 8.074
Volume 8, Issue 2, 1100-1105. Research Article ISSN 2277– 7105
*Corresponding Author
Smriti Ojha
School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Vishveshwarya
Group of Institutions,
Greater Noida (UP),
203207, India.
Article Received on
02 Dec. 2018,
Revised on 23 Dec. 2018,
Accepted on 14 Jan. 2019
DOI: 10.20959/wjpr20192-14104

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Ojha et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
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ingredients and skin-identical ingredients. All skin type needs these ingredients to be as
healthy as possible. Gel and liquids preparations are best for oily and combination skin,
serums and light lotions are best for normal to dry skin, more emollient lotions and
moisturizing creams are best for dry to verydry skin. Texture is all about skin type- but the
brilliant ingredients for healthy skin the same for everyone, regardless of product, texture or
personal preference.[2] Skin is a protective and largest organ of body which is struggling to
heal and repair itself 24 hours, but sometimes skin can develop dry patches for many reasons
like UV rays, pollutants, makeup left on overnight can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Aloe Vera and bee venom both have an unique anti-aging formulations to maintain healthy
fresh looking skin. These products are useful in various skin conditions like psoriasis,
shingles and other associated with itching, in addition- cuts, abrasions and burns are said to
be benefit from topically applying the leaf’s gel to the affected area.[3-5] The polysaccharides
present in Aloe Vera have excellent moisturizing property and whenmixed with essential oils,
it makes an excellent skin smoothening moisturizer and sun block lotions. Due to its soothing
and cooling qualities Ayurveda recommends Aloe Vera for a number of skin disorders. Aloe
Vera extract have antibacterial and anti-fungal activities, which may help in the treatment of
minor skin infections also.[6]
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Aloe Vera plant, Lyophilized Bee venom and sandal wood oil was purchased from sigma
Aldrich, Glycerin IP. All other chemical used were of suitable analytical grade.
Method of Extraction
Aloe Vera plant was collected from the herbal garden of Vishveshwarya group of Institutions
and identified. Aloe vera gel was collected, homogenized at 1200 rpm under mechanical
homogenizer. The Homogenized gel was further filtered with a vacuum filter to gel a clear
and transparent gel.[7]
Emulsion Preparation
Emulsion (o/w) was prepared as per the formula given below. Oily phase consisting Olive oil,
sandal wool oil, Vitamin E and emulsifiers span 80 and tween 20 was triturated together till
10 minutes to get a homogenous solution. At the same time aqueous phase was prepared by
mixing aloe vera gel, bee venom, glycerine, and small quantity of distilled water
homogeneously. The oily phase was added to aqueous phase drop by drop under mechanical
stirring at 2500 rpm to get a oil in water based biphasic emulsion.

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Table 1: Formula for face serum.
SL. NO.
INGREDIETS
PERCENTAGE %
1
Lyophilized bee venom
9%
2
Aloe Vera gel
50%
3
Glycerin
25%
4
Span 80
2%
5
Tween 20
1%
4
Sandalwood oil
01%
5
Preservative
0.01%
6
De mineralized water
QS to 100 ml
Characterization of Emulsion and stability studies
Rheological Parameters
Emulsions are non Newtonian system so the viscosity of the formulation was determined by
multipoint viscometer (Brookfield Viscometer) at 100 rpm, some amount of the serum was
taken in a beaker and the spindle was dipped in it for about 5 minutes and then the readings
were noted.[9]
Color and Appearance
The color and appearance of the formulation (aloe Vera face serum) was observed visually
which appeared translucent white in color.[9]
Homogeneity
The formulation prepared had even distribution of the extracts made. The homogeneity of the
preparation was confirmed visually by the absence of any particulate matter and also feeling
the product by touch.[9]
pH of the serum
A pH meter was calibrated using a standard buffer solution. Nearly 1 ml of the serum was
properly weighed and dissolved in 50ml of distilled water and finally its pH was calculated.[9]
Globule size determination
The prepared serum was properly analyzed under microscope to identify and confirm the
globule size. One drop of the serum was placed on a glass slide and was diluted with water, it
was covered with coverslip and was finally observed under microscope to determine globule
size using stage micrometer.

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Ash Value: Product was taken in a flat –bottom platinum dish and ashing was done at 600 ˚C
in muffle furnace.
Spreadability: Spreadibility denotes the extent of area to which the gel readily spreads on
application to skin or the affected part. The bioavailability efficiency of a cream also depends
on its spreading value.
Stability Studies
The formulation and preparation of any pharmaceutical or cosmetic product is incomplete
without proper stability studies of the prepared formulation. This is done in order to
determine the physical and chemical stability of the prepared product and thus determine the
safety of the product under accelerated conditions, where the product is subjected to elevated
temperatures and moisture as per the ICH guidelines. A short term accelerated stability study
was carried out for the period of 3 months for the prepared formulation. The samples were
stored under the following conditions of temperature as 3-50C, 250C RH=60%, 400C ±2%
RH= 75%. The samples were withdrawn on monthly intervals and were analyzed for various
parameters.[10]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Aloe Vera face serum formulation was light green viscous liquid preparation with a smooth
homogenous texture and glossy appearance. The formulation was re-dispersed within a
seconds. After use, it felt like emollient, slipperiness and no residues were formed and easy to
wash out.
Physical appearance: Serum formulation was light green in color, viscous liquid preparation
with a smooth homogenous texture and glossy appearance.
pH: The pH of formulation was found 6.2. As the skin having an acidic pH around 4.1-6.7,
this range of formulation is suitable for skin.
Globule size determination: The globule size was found to be in range of 0.1-0.3 µm. This
range of particles enhance the penetration power of the formulation.
Stability studies: The formulation was undertaken stability studies for physical and chemical
change. No considerable variations in properties of the formulation were observed.

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Table 2: Stability Study obervations.
TEMPERATURE
EVALUATION
PARAMETERS
OBSERVATION (Months)
0
1
2
3
3-5°C
Visual
Appearance
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Phase Separation
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Homogeneity
Good
Good
Good
Good
Room
Temperature
(25°C RH=60%)
Visual
Appearance
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Phase Separation
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Homogeneity
Good
Good
Good
Good
40°C±2°C
RH=75%
Visual
Appearance
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Translucent
White
Phase Separation
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Homogeneity
Good
Good
Good
Good
After feel: The serum after distribution amongst individuals and their application, had a
soothing and pleasant effect as informed to us by the individuals, indicating that it had an
emollient and moisturizing action and also it was non-irritating and non-sensitive to the skin.
CONCLUSION
The aim of the study was to formulate different herbals into a serum for moisturizing and
glowing activity on skin. Cosmeceuticals are skin-care products that cater for both cosmetics
and drugs.[11] In this serum aloe Vera was used. The fresh aloe Vera gel from the inner central
part (parenchyma) of the leaf often has a very good action in acne, pimples, eczema and other
skin problems, burns due to heat , sun exposure and in treatment of radiation dermatitis. Aloe
Vera contains number of vitamins and minerals that have a strong moisturizing capacity and
anti-aging effects to maintain healthy and fresh looking skin. The gel stimulates cell growth
and as such enhances the restoring of damaged skin. So this serum can be used treat skin
related problems.
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