Formulation and evaluation of herbal bio-deodorant cream for foot odour and fungal control

Foot odor and fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, are common skincare conditions due to excessive sweating and/or the growth of microbes associated with closed footwear. Conventional deodorants and antifungal creams contain synthetic ingredients. Due to their long-term usage, these agents may lead to skin irritation and/or allergic reactions. This study aims to formulate and assess an herbal bio-deodorant cream made from natural topical compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial and deodorizing activity. Neem leaf extract and tea tree oil served as active antimicrobial ingredients for their strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Complementary to neem and tea tree oil, peppermint oil and camphor created a cooling effect or masking odor. Aloe vera gel and coconut oil served as emollients or moisturizers that help hydrate skin and relieve irritation while alum served as a natural astringent and deodorizer. The base formulation included stearic acid, cetostearyl alcohol, glycerin, and triethanolamine to achieve the appropriate texture, stability, and spread ability.
The final formulation was assessed for its physical properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, washability, stability, and antifungal activity. The cream was confirmed to possess a smooth appearance, pH of 6.5 ± 0.1, and excellent spreadability, with no phase separation or gritty appearance.