sector
Functionally efficacious topical herbal formulations that are clinically validated and ready for consumer use.
We formulate evidence-based topical creams, gels, lotions and serums developed for safety, functionality and consumer appeal, from ingredient sourcing to advanced processing and pilot production.
Herbal Product Formulation & R&D Services
Topical Applications
The skincare sector is quickly evolving toward herbal cosmeceuticals as consumers are interested in safe, natural, and efficacious formulations. Topical treatments such as creams, serums, gels, and lotions represent the middle ground between cosmetics and dermatology. The active benefits of these treatments can be applied to the skin surface and delivered to deeper layers for a more efficacious result. [1]
Herbal topicals infused with herbal extracts, vitamins, antioxidants, and natural oils are now being created to provide benefits that optimize moisture, anti-aging benefits, control pigmentation, soothe, repair and control acne. Botanicals such as aloe vera, turmeric, neem, licorice tea tree, and green tea can be utilized and further optimized through new formulation technologies. [2]
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes herbal topicals as a formulation that contains plant materials from roots, leaves, flowers, and barks, or extracts of these plant materials that are meant to serve either cosmetic or therapeutic functions. [3] At the Food Research Lab, we develop next generation herbal topicals that are stable, user friendly and scientifically backed, and include formulations, such as day/night creams, gels that absorb fast, emulsions, and concentrated serums within product categories for both wellness and marketability.
Scientific and R&D Approach
At FRL, we bring together industry-leading dermatological expertise, botanical science, and pharmaceutical principles to offer the development of advanced topical formulations.
Phytochemical Profiling & Standardization
HPLC, LC-MS, and TLC to show consistency for each active ingredient.
Formulation Optimization
Development of stable creams, gels, and serums that maintain balance for potency, texture, and absorption.
Physicochemical Evaluation
pH, spreadability, viscosity, and compatibility with excipients.
Bioactivity Validation
In-vitro testing to substantiate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging functionality.
Stability Testing
Shelf-life evaluation under various testing conditions to promote efficacy and quality.
Sensory & Dermatological Assessment
Assessing in-consumer/dermatological studies on the safety, texture for acceptance.
Regulatory Preparation
Ensuring we comply with FSSAI, AYUSH, FDA, and EU cosmetic standards.
Key Features
- Rapid Absorption & Skin Affinity: Non-greasy formulas that promise fast absorption and user experience.
- Functional benefits: Actives that provide skin hydration, pigmentation, anti-aging, UV protection, acne support, and calming effects.
- Crafted Textures: FRL develops custom sensory profiles—as in light serums for fast absorption or rich creams for deep hydration.
- Stability & Shelf-life: Low oxidation, best emulsifier systems, and new packaging systems (pumps airless, tubes, jars).
- Convenience & Aesthetics: Packaged can develop nice formats, including roll-ons, pump bottles, squeeze tubes and sachets.
- Botanical identification from using morphological assessment, DNA barcoding, chromatographic profiling.
- Tests including heavy metals testing, microbial load, pesticide residues, and allergens.
- Preferential usage organic, fair-trade, non-GMO herbs.
- Supplier audits and documentation for traceability and sustainability.
- Aloe Vera: Moisturizer, soothes irritation, assists with skin healing.
- Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory/brightening of skin.
- Neem: Natural antibacterial; clarifying, assists with acne prone skin.
- Licorice Root – Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and create a more even skin color.
- Green Tea – Contains antioxidants to help the skin defend against aging and environmental aggressors.
- Rosehip Oil: Regenerative to the skin; reduces scars and fine lines.
- Cucumber Extract: Cools, soothes and refreshes tired skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid (plant derived): Provides lasting, hydration and plumping skin to keep it smooth and supple. [4]
- Nanoemulsion Technology: Enhances absorption/penetration, stability, and bioavailability of herbal active ingredients.
- Herbal Ingredients: Liposomes and gel formulations can assist in controlled release over time for longer-lasting results.
- Hybrid Herbal/Cosmetic Products: Combine botanicals and extracts to obtain the benefits of both, like botanical extracts with peptides or vitamins.
- Consumer-Savvy Attributes: The formulations come in fragrance-free options, cooling serums, or are non-greasy, and pH-balanced.
- Smart Packaging: Airless and UV-blocking containers will give the product a longer shelf life, while preserving efficacy.
- Ayurvedic Adaptations: Ancient herbal remedies of the past, have been adapted for use in modern topical creams, gels, and serums.
- Serums with a Plant Base: Concentrated, lightweight actives create visible results very quickly.
- Clean Label Certifications & certifications – Products that are free of parabens, sulfates, and silicones, are in higher demand.
- Hybrid Skincare – Formulations that have both cosmetic enhancement properties and therapeutic benefits.
- Personalized Products: Custom remedy blends to meet hydration, anti-aging, pigmentation, and skin needs. [5]
| Stage | Preferred Product Type | Targeted Benefits |
| Children | Gentle creams/lotions | Mild moisturization, helps prevent rashes/irritation |
| Adolescents & Teens | Gels & cleansers | Acne control, promotes oil balance, clear skin |
| Adults | Serums & creams | Pigmentation correction, hydration, anti-stress actives |
| Seniors | Anti-aging creams & serums | Minimize wrinkles, stimulate collagen formation, assist with skin barrier |
| Women/Men Special | Tailored skincare | Hormonal/acne support, UV damage care, grooming |
Targeted Product Formats
Herbal Creams
Herbal Gels
Lotions
Serums
Balms/Ointments
Cleansing Systems
FRL Service Scope for Herbal Topicals
| Service | Description |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Herbal extracts, oils, and excipients sourced to certifications |
| Formulation Development | Optimized emulsions, gels, or suspensions |
| Pilot Processing | Prototype scale-up, texture evaluation, mixing trials |
| Lab Testing | Quality control: spreadability, rheology, antioxidant assays |
| Regulatory Compliance | Documentation for FSSAI; FDA; and EU cosmetic regulations |
| Packaging Solutions | Sustainable tubes, airless bottles, jars |
| Clinical & Sensory Evaluation | Consumer preference testing, skin safety validation |
| Scale-Up & Manufacturing | Bulk emulsification, automated filling |
| Post-Launch Support | Consumer feedback; quality assurance; reformulation |
Process flow
Consultation
Identify target consumer, claims, skin concern, and regulatory path
Herbal Ingredients Sourcing & Verification
Validation, contaminant tested, approve plant profile
Formulation & Prototype Development
Identify emulsion stability, viscosity, fragrance balance
Pilot Processing & Validation
Physicochemical testing (pH, stability, viscosity, solubility)
Regulations & Scale-Up
Documentation, Testing Regulatory Compliance, and Good Manufacturing Practice Production
Post-Launch Monitoring
Quality Assurance (all things related to), integrate, make improvements based on feedback
Why Choose FRL
- Knowledge: In-depth understanding of herbal pharmacognosy, and advanced formulation technologies.
- Complete Solutions: Total approach service capability from extract to pack.
- Quality Control: A stringent, quality control system around safety, purity and efficacy.
- Regulatory compliance: FSSAI, AYUSH and WHO and pharmacopoeial benchmarks for compliance.
- Capabilities: State-of-the-art granulation, compression, encapsulation and testing laboratories.
- Focused on innovative delivery systems of active for better bioavailability such as, nanosizing, solid dispersions, or controlled release systems.
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.
