Antioxidant and Anti-Propionibacterium acnes Activities of Citronella Oil and Clove Oil, and their Formulation Into Emulgel

Propionibacterium acnes is a common acne-causing bacteria in adolescents and adults. The combination of citronella oil and clove oil has the potential to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes. Both essential oils are also known to have antioxidant effects. The combination of the two essential oils is expected to have better activity. The purpose of this research was to determine the activity of the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) index against Propionibacterium acnes, antioxidant activity, and formulation in emulgel. Antibacterial assay of combination citronella oil and clove oil using the FIC index. Antioxidant assay by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrihydrazil) method. The emulgels formulation uses Viscolam AT 100P as the base of the emulgels. The results showed that the combination of citronella and clove oil an antibacterial activity with an FIC index is 2 (indifferent), antioxidant citronella oil had an IC50 of a moderate category (185.04 µg/mL) and clove oil in a very strong category (23.48 µg/mL) so that it could be formulated in an emulgel with good characteristics. The most preferred formula in terms of color, scent, consistency, and texture is a formula with a concentration of 5% viscolam AT 100P.