Styling Nature: A Comprehensive Review and Experimental Evaluation of Polyherbal Hair Gels in Cosmetic Science

This review explores the growing significance of natural or herbal hair gels as safer and multifunctional alternatives to synthetic gels in cosmetic science. It highlights the use of natural gelling agents and bioactive herbal extracts like Aloe vera, hibiscus, and amla, which provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and scalp-conditioning benefits. The review synthesizes evidence from recent studies and includes an experimental evaluation of a polyherbal gel formulation using locally sourced botanicals. Key evaluation parameters were pH, viscosity, spreadability, stability, and antimicrobial activity, supporting the potential of herbal gels to enhance hair health while maintaining cosmetic performance. The review also addresses safety, market trends, and innovations such as nano-delivery systems, emphasizing the need for future research on standardization, clinical validation, and eco-friendly production to develop sustainable hair-care products.