Development of a solid shampoo incorporating aromatic compounds from lemon verbena (Cymbopogon citratus) as a natural fragrance

Abstract

The present innovative design aims to develop an ecological solid shampoo formulated with natural aromatic compounds from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). The study included the extraction of essential oil through steam distillation, product formulation using the melt-and-mold method, and the evaluation of its physical, physicochemical, and sensory properties. Parameters such as pH, moisture, hardness, foaming capacity, and mass loss were analyzed, in addition to a sensory test carried out with 25 panelists. The results showed a pH of 6.45 ± 0.18, hardness of 32.4 ± 1.46 N, and foaming capacity of 420 ± 10 mL, indicating stability and compatibility with the scalp. Sensory evaluation revealed mean scores above 4.4 for aroma, texture, and lather quality. Its solid format eliminates the need for plastic packaging, contributing to an estimated 100% reduction compared with conventional liquid shampoo presentations. This design demonstrates the feasibility of using essential oils as a natural alternative to synthetic fragrances and promotes the development of sustainable cosmetics based on local biodiversity.