Formulation, antibacterial activity test, and stability test of niosome gels containing essential oil of betel leaf (Piper betle L.) as an anti-acne treatment, has been established. The preparation of niosome aims to increase the transfollicular penetration and also increase the stability of gel. Betel leaf essential oil extraction was done by steam distillation method and essential oil compounds identification used GC-MS. The niosome formulations made in two kinds of cholesterol and surfactant amount ratio, ie 1:1 (F1) and 1:2 (F2) (w/w). The niosomes were evaluated which include the entrapment efficiency test by Spectrophotometry UV-Vis, the particle size test by Particle Size Analyzer, and the vesicle morphology test by Transmission Electron Microscope. The niosomes that had been evaluated, made into gel with 0.5% Carbomer 940 as gelling agent. Niosome gels were evaluated which include organoleptic, pH, viscosity, antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, and stability for 12 weeks in 3 different storage temperatures, ie room temperature (28±2°C), low temperature (4±2°C), and high temperature (40±2°C). The test results showed that the F2 gel niosome has better stability than F1, while the antibacterial activity of F1 and F2 gel niosome didn’t differ significantly.

Keywords:

GC-MS, niosome, Propionibacterium acnes, Particle Size Analyzer, Transmission Electron Microscope