Abstract :
Lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus L.) contains monoterpene
compounds such as citral and geraniol which have antibacterial activity against
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Lemongrass oil handsanitizer gel has good
aesthetic value, which is transparent, easily evenly applied to the skin without
pressing, gives a cool sensation, does not cause skin marks and is easy to use. The
purpose of this study was to determine what is the best carbopol 940 base
concentration in the lemon grass oil handsanitizer gel (Cymbopogon citratus L.)
and how the effect of differences in carbopol 940 base concentration on the
physical stability of lemongrass oil hand sanitizer gel (Cymbopogon citratus L.).
Handsanitizer gel was made with 12.5% lemongrass oil concentration and 0.5%,
1%, and 1.5% carbopol base concentrations. The formulations were tested for
physical stability for 28 days on days 0, 7, 28 including the results of the
organoleptic test, homogeneity test, viscosity test, pH test, adhesion test,
spreadability test, and antibacterial activity test using the well method. The test
data obtained were analyzed by One Way Anova with a confidence level of 95%.
The test results showed the best base concentration of carbopol 940 1.5% by
showing the organoleptic test (thick gel, milky white & clear, distinctive smell of
lemongrass), viscosity test of 250 ± 0 dPa.s, pH 6.5 ± 0 which is safe at pH skin,
adhesion 0.38 ± 0.00, spreadability 6.1 ± 0.3 and homogeneity test with no visible
coarse grain. Increasing the concentration of carbopol in the gel preparation can
increase the viscosity and adhesion but reduce the spreadability. Increasing the
concentration of carbopol in the gel did not affect the diameter of bacterial
inhibition. The bacterial activity test of the formula containing lemongrass oil
resulted in an inhibition zone of ?86.00 mm.