Development of a Natural Herbal Serum Using Mango Seed Extract and Its Evaluation for Skin Brightening Activity– A Research

The specific objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a herbal face serum based on mango seed extract, which could be effective as a skin brightener, antioxidant, and anti-aging agent. Due to the growing demand for natural, safe, and effective cosmetic products, mango seed kernel, an agro-waste product of Mangifera indica, was chosen as the bioactive agent of choice because of its rich content of polyphenolic, flavonoid, tannoid, and fatty acid constituents, which are reported to possess antioxidant properties beneficial for skin care. Literature survey confirmed the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of mango seed kernel extract, making it a good choice as a cosmetic agent. The extract was prepared by employing the Soxhlet method of extraction, and the oil-in-water emulsion-based herbal face serum was formulated by using various excipients such as jojoba oil, olive oil, glycerine, tween, xanthan gum, and phenoxyethanol. A total of four formulations (F1-F4) of the herbal face serum were developed, and they were evaluated for various physicochemical parameters, including organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, homogeneity, and spreadability of the formulations. Phytochemical analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and proteins. The formulations showed good physical properties in terms of consistency, stability, and skin compatibility. Antioxidant activity was performed by employing DPPH and FRAP assays, showing significant free radical scavenging activity by the optimized formulation, comparable to standard antioxidant agents. The antimicrobial study of the formulation against Staphylococcus aureus showed effective inhibition of the microorganism, indicating its potential in preventing acne and skin infections caused by the microbe. In conclusion, the formulated herbal face serum using mango seed kernel extract was found to be stable, effective, and suitable for topical use. The importance of using natural, eco-friendly, and cost-effective ingredients in cosmetic formulations has been emphasized by the results of the study. The trend of using herbal products in skincare products has gained importance in recent times, and the results of the study show the potential of using mango seed kernel as a value-added product in skincare products as a skin brightener or anti-aging agent.