Development of Cinnamon bark oil (Cinnamomum burmannii) as an anti-acne nanoemulgel and its effectiveness against Propionibacterium acnes

Background: Acne is caused by blockage of hair follicles and skin pores due to excess sebum production on the skin. Commonly used anti-acne include typical antibiotic creams or gels of clindamycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin. The use of these drugs often causes dry skin, redness, itching, and resistance to bacteria. The cinnamon bark oil which contains cinnamaldehyde, has been studied to have antibacterial activity. Objective: To determine the best formula of Cinnamon bark oil nanoemulgel with good physical quality and the highest antibacterial activity against P. acnes. Method: Cinnamon bark oil was formulated as a nanoemulsion and mixed with Carbopol, a gelling agent. Nanoemulgels were produced and evaluated through organoleptic tests, pH, viscosity, antibacterial activity, and stability testing. Result: The results showed that the particle size, zeta potential, and % transmittance of the cinnamon bark oil emulsion were accurate for an ideal nanoemulsion. All three formulas produced a light yellow, transparent colour, had a thin and mild gel consistency, and cinnamon bark oil scent, and fulfilled the requirements of the best formula of Cinnamon bark oil nanoemulgel that had good physical quality and the highest antibacterial activity against P.acnes. Conclusion: The best formula that had antibacterial activity for P. acnes was Formula 3.