Formulation and Physical Stability Test of Patchouli Oil Balm (Pogostemon Cablin (L.) Benth) as an Aromatherapy

Abstract

Background: this study is the use of traditional medicines, specifically balms, to treat joint and muscle pain, where patchouli oil is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: this study was to formulate patchouli oil balm (Pogostemon cablin) as an aromatherapy and test its physical stability. Methods: The research used was a quantitative experiment by making three balm formulations containing variations in patchouli oil concentrations: F1 (0.5 mL), F2 (1 mL), and F3 (1.5 mL). The physical stability test was carried out for 14 days, including organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, hedonic (preference), and stickiness tests. Results: studies show that all formulas have good organoleptic stability. However, in the homogeneity test, only Formula I remained stable, while F2 and F3 showed phase separation after 14 days. The pH test results showed that Formula I reached the ideal pH for the skin (4.89) on day 14, while F2 and F3 had a pH below safe limits. In addition, the hedonic test showed that Formula I was most preferred by respondents in terms of aroma and sensation on the skin. Conclusion: from this study, Formula I (F1) with a concentration of 0.5 mL patchouli oil is the most optimal and stable formula as an aromatherapy balm.