Essential oils are widely used for cosmetic and medicinal purpose. However, their
viscosity, volatility, and oily physical appearance became obstacles in their usage, especially for
dermal application. In this study, ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil was produced by
using steam distillation technique. Amount of sucrose stearate in the formulation was
manipulated with the aim to form the emulsion that can optimize the delivery of ylang-ylang
essential oil and ascorbic acid. Optical polarizing micrograph of olive oil-in-water emulsion
showed a polydispersed size up to more than 10 m. Average hydrodynamic particle size
analysis showed the increase in average particle size within 28 days of incubation at room
temperature, 8, and 45 C. Zeta potential measurement for 28 days revealed the shift in the
magnitude of to less negative in all incubation condition. Accelerated stability test showed the
prediction of sedimentation, flocculation, and coalescence mechanism on the shelf at room
temperature. The data showed a promising alternative for delivering essential oils with the use
of ascorbic acid or other agents to the body through dermal delivery by employing the
emulsion system.
Keywords
oil-in-water, emulsion, essential oil, ylang-ylang, accelerated stability test