Jurnal Ilmu Kefarmasian Indonesia
Vol. 24 No. 1 (2026): JIFI

Anti-acne activity and nanoemulsion formulation of a combination of lime peel (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) extract and essential oil

Muhammad Aqsyal (Departement Pharmaceutical, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Pancasila, Jakarta, 12640, Indonesia)
Yesi Desmiaty (Departement of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Pancasila, Jakarta, 12640, Indonesia)
Siti Umrah Noor (Departement of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Pancasila, Jakarta, 12640, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Acne is a common skin disorder closely associated with bacterial infection, particularly Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Lime peel contains flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, tannins, and essential oils that exhibit antibacterial potential. This study aims to evaluate the anti-acne activity of a combination of lime peel extract and essential oil and to formulate it into a nanoemulsion dosage form. An experimental study was conducted using the disk diffusion method to assess anti-acne activity. The inhibition zone was measured after 24-hour incubation at 37 °C. Nanoemulsions were then prepared through ultrasonic processing and characterised using PSA and TEM. The results demonstrated that the extract–essential oil combinations at ratios 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 produced greater inhibition zones than the single agents, indicating a synergistic effect. The nanoemulsion formulated with Alkamuls CRH 40, glycerin, and VCO produced particles <100 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.072–0.141, although the zeta potential values (−14.1 to −16.7 mV) indicated suboptimal stability. Overall, the combination of lime peel extract and essential oil exhibited significant anti-acne activity and has the potential to be developed as a topical nanoemulsion-based preparation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jifi

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Jurnal Ilmu Kefarmasian Indonesia (JIFI) mainly focuses on a current topic in Pharmaceutical Sciences are also considered for publication by the Journal. Discussions on a topic in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Social Behaviour Administration. Detailed scopes of articles accepted ...