FORMULATION FOR A FACE WASH GEL CONTAINING MEDICINAL HERB (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.) AND TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL (Melaleuca alternifolia C.)

Abstract

In the context where health and natural beauty are increasingly emphasized, skincare cleansing products that support acne treatment through antibacterial properties are gaining research attention. Houttuynia cordata Thunb., a common medicinal plant in Vietnam, possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. When combined with tea tree oil—an essential oil proven to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties—it can be effectively applied in skincare products. This study developed a facial cleansing gel formulation containing Houttuynia cordata extract and tea tree oil with the following composition: concentrated Houttuynia extract (4%), tea tree oil (0.2%), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (0.6%), hydroxyethyl cellulose (0.4%), cocamidopropyl betaine (4.5%), sodium lauryl sulfate (0.5%), glycerin (5%), propylene glycol (5%), triethanolamine (0.2%), citric acid (0.2%), sodium benzoate (0.2%), and purified water up to 100%. The obtained product is light brown in color, with a clear, viscous, and homogeneous gel consistency, producing fine foam with a characteristic fragrance, showing no phase separation. It exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae). The evaluation results indicate that the product meets cosmetic quality standards, with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.5, appropriate viscosity (648–950 mPa·s), and is safe and pleasant for users.