Formulation and Evaluation of Anti-Acne Gel Based on Ethyl Acetate Extract of Jujube Leaves (Ziziphus spina-christi L.): Stability and Antibacterial Activity Test

Abstract

This study is a follow-up to a previous study showing that the ethyl acetate extract of Arabian Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) leaves has strong antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. This follow-up study aimed to formulate an anti-acne gel based on the extract and evaluate its physical stability, antibacterial activity, and skin irritation safety in vivo. Three gel formulas were prepared with extract concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 8%. Evaluations included organoleptic tests, pH, homogeneity, viscosity, spreadability, and accelerated stability tests (freeze–thaw). Antibacterial activity was tested using the well diffusion method against P. acnes and S. epidermidis. Irritation tests were conducted on experimental animals using the Draize method. The results showed that the gel formula with an 8% concentration had the largest inhibition zone against P. acnes (14.22 ± 0.06 mm) and S. epidermidis (13.11 ± 0.04 mm). All formulas demonstrated good stability and experienced no significant changes during testing. Irritation tests demonstrated that all formulas were safe and did not cause erythema or edema in the experimental animals. This study confirms that the ethyl acetate extract gel from Jujube leaves is a viable candidate for development as an herbal anti-acne product.