Formulation and evaluation of a eucalyptus oil-decorated phyto-silver nanoparticle enriched herbal hand sanitizer with enhanced antimicrobial, antioxidant, and derma protective potential.

The increasing prevalence of skin infections and the widespread use of alcohol-based sanitizers have intensified the demand for hygienic formulations that are not only antimicrobial but also skin-compatible and environmentally sustainable. Recent literature highlights the potential of green-synthesized nanomaterials, particularly plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as safer alternatives to chemically synthesized antimicrobials. Building on this evidence, the present study reports the development of a bio-integrated herbal nanogel hand sanitizer formulated using green-synthesized AgNPs derived from Aloe vera extract, which served as both a reducing and stabilizing agent, and further functionalized with eucalyptus oil to enhance antimicrobial performance. The formulation was optimized for topical application, exhibiting a skin-compatible pH (5.15), appropriate viscosity, and good spreadability. AgNPs synthesized under mild, eco-friendly conditions demonstrating uniform size distribution and high colloidal stability, confirmed through Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), and microscopic analyses, consistent with parameters reported in prior green nanomaterial studies. Biological evaluation revealed strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans), while antioxidant assays confirmed significant free-radical scavenging ability due to synergistic interactions between phytochemicals and AgNPs. Importantly, cytocompatibility studies using mouse fibroblast cells showed >75% cell viability at application-relevant concentrations, supporting dermal safety.Compared to conventional chemical sanitizers, this green nanogel offers enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, reduced cytotoxicity, and improved sustainability. The study demonstrates that plant-mediated AgNP-based sanitizers represent a solid, eco-friendly alternative to existing therapeutics, with promising applications in public hygiene and biomedical settings.