Development of Antibacterial Microemulsions from Ajowan Oil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/kcsj.2025.4Keywords:
Ajowan oil, Microemulsion, Bacteria, Acne, Body odorAbstract
Acne and body odor caused by bacteria disturb persons’ confidence in daily life. Therefore, cosmetics containing an antibacterial agent are one option for solving these problems. This research aimed to develop antibacterial microemulsions using ajowan oil having antibacterial activity as both an oil phase and an active ingredient. A mixture of water and polyethylene glycol 400 in a ratio of 1:1 was used as an aqueous phase. A mixture of Tween-80 and propylene glycol in 3 different ratios, i.e., 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1, was used as a surfactant mixture. Microemulsion regions from 3 systems were obtained. Then, 2 formulations from each system were prepared to obtain 6 formulations. The prepared formulations were investigated physical properties and stability when being stored under normal condition at ambient temperature for 60 days. Additionally, antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. The results showed that all formulations were transparent yellow liquids. They were oil-in-water microemulsions. Their pH values were in the acceptable range for skin-care cosmetics. They had Newtonian flow. Their viscosity values implied for ease of skin application. Data of quantitative analysis of ajowan oil using UV-visible spectroscopy technique at the wavelength of 275 nanometers exhibited that all formulations were chemically stable. The selected formulations for studying the antibacterial activity could present inhibition zones. Therefore, antibacterial microemulsions from ajowan oil had potential for use as anti-acne and deodorant cosmetics.
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