Evaluation of the Characteristics and Controlled Release of Citronella Essential Oil in Aromatherapy Necklaces via Sensory Analysis

Essential oils, including those used in aromatherapy, are currently in high demand as consumers increasingly prefer products made from natural ingredients. Citronella oil, when used as aromatherapy, is intended to relieve headaches, enhance breathing, and produce a warming effect upon inhalation. Aromatherapy necklaces provide a convenient and portable method for delivering the benefits of essential oils. Encapsulation technology addresses the volatility of essential oils in aromatherapy gels by creating a controlled slow-release mechanism, enabling the gradual release of essential oils over a specified period. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of aromatherapy necklaces and assess the aroma intensity of citronella oil through sensory analysis. Sensory analysis was conducted using semi-trained and trained panelists. The aromatherapy necklace comprises a mixture of gels and emulsions containing encapsulated essential oils, formulated for immediate use. The sensory analysis results indicated that the addition of 10% essential oils yielded the highest scores for color and texture assessments (4.08 and 3.96, respectively), while the addition of 7.5% essential oils produced the highest score for aroma assessment (4.16). The aroma intensity decreased from a score of 6.00 on day 1 to 3.17 on day 7. The gradual and controlled decline in aroma intensity aligns with the intended purpose of the essential oil encapsulation process.