<![CDATA[Hand hygiene is an essential aspect of preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, repeated use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause skin dryness, irritation, dermatitis, and even allergic reactions, driving the demand for safer natural active ingredients. This study aims to formulate and evaluate the antibacterial activity of a spray hand sanitizer containing citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil. This research employed a quantitative–qualitative approach using a laboratory experimental design. The results showed that all HS-CO formulations were homogeneous, exhibited a color transition from clear to milky white as the concentration increased, possessed a characteristic leafy odour, exhibited good spreadability, and maintained pH values within the physiological range of human skin. The antibacterial activity test of citronella oil demonstrated zones of inhibition ranging from 8.93±2.09 mm to 17.02±4.13 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and from 9.28±1.44 mm to 18.19±4.06 mm against Escherichia coli. All formulations (P1, P2, P3, and P4) exhibited exceptional antibacterial efficacy, achieving a log reduction value of 8.18 within only 30 seconds of contact time. This value was equivalent to 100% bacterial reduction, indicating better antibacterial effectiveness than 70% alcohol.]]>
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