Jurnal Ilmu Kefarmasian Indonesia
Vol. 24 No. 2 (2026): JIFI

Formulation and physicochemical evaluation of a lotion containing cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmannii) and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oils as a natural mosquito repellent

Mega Efrilia (Pharmacy Study Program, IKIFA College Of Health Sciences, East Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Jakarta, 13470, Indonesia)
Eriawan Rismana (Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine National Research and Innovation Agency, Tangerang, West Java, Indonesia)
Pra Panca Bayu Chandra (Pharmacy Study Program, IKIFA College Of Health Sciences, East Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Jakarta, 13470, Indonesia)
Ayu Amelia Putri (Pharmacy Study Program, IKIFA College Of Health Sciences, East Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Jakarta, 13470, Indonesia)
Pristiyantoro Pristiyantoro (Pharmacy Study Program, IKIFA College Of Health Sciences, East Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Jakarta, 13470, Indonesia)
Suhendra Suhendra (Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Ringroad Selatan, Banguntapan, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55191, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a major public health concern in tropical regions, necessitating safer and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic repellents. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a natural mosquito-repellent lotion containing (Cinnamomum burmannii and Pogostemon cablin essential oils. A completely randomized experimental design was applied using four formulations (F0–F3) with varying concentrations of cinnamon oil (15–25%) and a fixed concentration of patchouli oil (7%). Physicochemical properties, including pH, viscosity, spreadability, adhesion, and stability, were evaluated, and repellent activity against Aedes aegypti was assessed using an arm-in-cage method. All measurements were conducted in triplicate and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The results showed that all formulations met acceptable cosmetic standards, with pH values ranging from 5.8 to 7.92, viscosity between 7.560–12.420 cP, spreadability of 5.2–7.1 cm, and adhesion time of 5.0–12 s, while maintaining stable emulsion characteristics. Repellent efficacy increased with oil concentration, with the optimal formulation (F3: 25% cinnamon + 7% patchouli) achieving 80% protection, approaching the DEET control (90%). These findings indicate that the combination of cinnamon and patchouli essential oils has strong potential as a natural, safe, and sustainable mosquito repellent. The formulation was optimized based on physicochemical stability and repellent activity. Further optimization using advanced delivery systems, such as nanoencapsulation, is recommended to improve efficacy and durability. 

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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 ...