D Madhu Sree

Background: Facial cleansers remove excess oil and impurities while maintaining skin comfort. Zinc PCA was selected for its sebum-regulating properties, and kaolin clay was used as an adsorbent. Objective: To formulate and evaluate eight clay-based facial cleansers containing Zinc PCA and kaolin clay using xanthan gum or guar gum as thickening agents. Methods: The formulations (F1–F8) were prepared using a simple mixing method. Zinc PCA (0.5%), kaolin clay (5%), glycerin (10%), disodium EDTA (0.3%), cocamidopropyl betaine (6%), and sodium benzoate (0.5%) were kept constant. Xanthan gum concentrations ranged from 0.2% to 0.5% in F1–F4, while guar gum concentrations ranged from 0.4% to 0.7% in F5–F8. The formulations were evaluated for FTIR compatibility, appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, phase separation, and foam height. Results: All formulations appeared milky, cloudy, and off-white, with visual homogeneity. The pH ranged from 5.16 to 5.51, viscosity from 260 to 2100 mPa·s, and foam height from 1.40 to 4.53 cm. Spreadability values ranged from 220.8 to 528.57 g·cm/s. No phase separation was observed in F1–F4, whereas F5–F8 showed separation. F2 and F7 were identified as preferred candidates based on the overall evaluation. Conclusion: Zinc PCA–kaolin clay facial cleansers were successfully formulated. However, guar-gum formulations require further optimization to improve stability. Long-term stability, safety, and efficacy studies are necessary before confirming their skin benefits. Keywords: sebum regulation; skin barrier; adsorbent; xanthan gum; guar gum