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Formulation, Optimization, and Comprehensive Characterization of Topical Essential Oil-Loaded Anti-Acne Microemulgels

Adeola Tawakalitu Kola-Mustapha1, Muhabat Adeola Raji2, Yusra Abdulkarim Alzahrani1

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia.

Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Stable essential oil microemulgels show promise for managing Cutibacterium acnes, offering a potential alternative to synthetic agents and addressing antimicrobial resistance in acne vulgaris treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Dermatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acne Vulgaris (AV) is a common inflammatory skin condition linked to Cutibacterium acnes.
  • Current topical treatments for AV can cause side effects and face challenges from antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • Essential oils (EOs) offer potential antimicrobial properties against C. acnes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize stable topical essential oil-loaded microemulgels.
  • To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of these microemulgels against C. acnes.
  • To provide a scientific basis for using EOs as an alternative to AMR-prone synthetic agents for acne management.

Main Methods:

  • Determined the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of citronella, tea tree, and lemongrass EOs against C. acnes.
  • Formulated EO-loaded microemulgels using a microemulsion and carbopol/hyaluronic acid gel blend (1:1 ratio).
  • Characterized microemulgels for physical properties (appearance, odor, pH, homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity) and assessed stability over three months at various temperatures.

Main Results:

  • MICs for citronella, tea tree, and lemongrass EOs against C. acnes were 0.08%, 0.16%, and 0.62% v/v, respectively.
  • Developed microemulgels were whitish, smooth, with characteristic EO odors, and exhibited suitable pH (4.81-5.00), spreadability (9.79-12.76 cm²), and viscosity (29,500-31,130 cP).
  • The microemulsions demonstrated good stability at 4°C, 25°C, and 40°C over a three-month period.

Conclusions:

  • Stable essential oil-loaded microemulgels were successfully developed for potential Cutibacterium acnes management.
  • The formulations exhibit promising characteristics for pharmaceutical development and could serve as an alternative to conventional treatments.
  • These microemulgels represent a potential advancement in addressing antimicrobial resistance in acne vulgaris therapy.
Keywords:
Acne Vulgarisessential oilsmicroemulgelstopical

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