Formulation of Spray Gel Hand Sanitizer from Citronella Oil Using Gelling Agent Carbopol 940 and Humectant Propylene Glycol

Abstract

Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) oil contains various phytochemical compounds which have antibacterial activity such as citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, and citral. These compounds can inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two bacterias  often found on the palm of hands. This study aimed to formulate citronella oil into a spray gel hand sanitizer. It used an experimental laboratory method. Spray gel hand sanitizers were developed from citronella oil using different concentration  of gelling agent Carbopol 940  (0.2%; 0.3%) and humectant propylene glycol (10%; 15%). All formulas were evaluated in term of organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spraying patterns and stickiness. All of the obtained spray gel hand sanitizer presented a white viscous liquid having a distintive odor of citronella. Four formulas  had pH in the range of 6.71 – 6.93 and viscosity in the range of 109.50.8 – 113.50.5 cps. The results showed that formulas 2 and 4 did not meet the requirements for spraying patterns and stickiness because the preparations clumped when sprayed from the spray applicator.  Based on this study, it can be concluded that formula 1 had the best characteristics in term of organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spraying pattern and stickiness. The concentration of carbopol 940 affected the physical properties of spray gel hand sanitizer.