Abstract

A REVIEW ON HERBAL PEEL-OFF (JELLY) MASKS FORMULATED USING SELECTED HERBAL PLANTS

Soham Dave*, Morvi Raval, Mahek Mulla, Hensi Karia, Roshan Borkhatariya

Abstract

The increasing consumer preference for natural, safe, and eco-friendly skincare products has accelerated the development of herbal cosmetic formulations with multifunctional therapeutic benefits. Among these, herbal peel-off (jelly) masks have emerged as a promising topical delivery system because of their excellent hydration, prolonged skin contact, ease of application, and enhanced delivery of bioactive phytoconstituents. This review comprehensively summarizes the formulation, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action, and cosmetic applications of herbal peel-off masks prepared using five medicinal plants: Trigonella foenumgraecum (Fenugreek), Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), Daucus carota (Carrot), and Cucumis sativus (Cucumber). These plants were selected based on their traditional medicinal use, phytochemical richness, safety profile, and dermatological relevance. The reviewed literature demonstrates that these botanicals are abundant in flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, essential oils, saponins, vitamins, and polysaccharides, which collectively exhibit antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, wound-healing, photoprotective, and anti-aging properties. Their synergistic incorporation into hydrogel-based peel-off masks improves skin hydration, minimizes transepidermal water loss, enhances collagen synthesis, reduces oxidative stress, regulates sebum production, inhibits acne-causing microorganisms, and promotes skin rejuvenation. The review also discusses the anatomy of human skin, common dermatological disorders, formulation components, ideal physicochemical characteristics, preparation methods, and evaluation parameters including pH, viscosity, spreadability, drying time, stability, microbial quality, and skin irritation. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the dermatological benefits of these herbal constituents are explained through their modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, microbial growth, and skin barrier function. Despite encouraging evidence regarding their cosmetic potential, challenges related to extract standardization, formulation stability, preservation, and large-scale commercialization remain. Future research should emphasize clinical validation, nanotechnology-assisted delivery systems, standardized quality control, sustainable packaging, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-based manufacturing to enhance product efficacy and consumer acceptance. Overall, herbal peel-off masks formulated with these medicinal plants represent a safe, effective, sustainable, and promising alternative to conventional synthetic skincare products and hold considerable potential for future advancements in herbal cosmeceutical research and commercialization.

Keywords: Herbal peel-off mask; Herbal jelly mask; Herbal cosmetics; Fenugreek; Nutmeg; Tulsi; Carrot; Cucumber; Phytochemicals; Skin care; Cosmeceuticals.