Antimicrobial synergy of Lavandula angustifolia L. and Rosa damascene L. essential oils: Preparation of herbal lip formulations

Abstract

Increasing concerns about the potential toxicity of heavy metals such as lead and various chemical compounds commonly found in synthetic lip care products have increased the demand for herbal alternatives. The main objective of this study was to formulate a low-toxicity, natural, and antimicrobial lip care product using essential oils obtained from Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) and Rosa damascena (rose) species grown in the Isparta region. Cosmetic grade rose, lavender, and clove oils, alongside chitosan, lanolin, and ethylhexylglycerin, were formulated. Gas chromatography (GC) determined the qualitative and quantitative components of the essential oils, while standard methods assessed the formulations' physicochemical properties (pH, viscosity, melting point, and weight deviation). Furthermore, microbiological tests, safety limit analyses, and in vitro antimicrobial activity examinations were conducted for a comprehensive evaluation of the formulations. GC analyses revealed distinct component profiles, with rose oil mainly composed of beta citronellol, geraniol, and nonadecane, while lavender oil featured linalool, linalyl acetate, and terpinen-4-ol. The resulting formulations were homogeneous, stable, and had acceptable pH levels, demonstrating safety and microbial contamination resistance. Notably, lavender oil exhibited superior antimicrobial activity compared to rose oil, and the LF-9 formulation maintained its physicochemical properties for 6 months, displaying low MIC values against L. angustifolia, E. coli, B. cereus, and C. albicans. The study showed that natural, safe lip care products can be developed using the antimicrobial properties of lavender and rose essential oils. Due to its superior properties, the LF-9 formulation is a natural alternative to synthetics.

Keywords

• Rosa damascena
• Lavandula angustifolia
• Lip cream formulation
• Microbiological analysis
• antimicrobial activity

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