Abstract:
This work contributes to the valorization of medicinal plants in the formulation of natural cosmetics through the development of an emulgel incorporating extracts of white wormwood (Artemisia herba alba), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), and essential oil of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.). The extracts were obtained by maceration and hydrodistillation, and evaluated for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Formulation optimization, carried out using a central composite design, enabled the identification of optimal concentrations of gelling agents (0.16 g of Carbopol and 0.12 g of hydroxyethylcellulose) to ensure product homogeneity and satisfactory stability. The plant extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant potential and notable antibacterial effects. The final emulgel meets cosmetic standards, highlighting the potential of botanical extracts in natural dermocosmetic formulations
