ReFresh Step: Foot Spray Antibakteri dari Ekstrak Sereh dan Kulit Jeruk Purut Berbasis Zero Waste

Abstrak

Foot odor (bromhidrosis pedis) is a common hygiene problem that negatively affects quality of life. Foot odor is caused by the activity of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria, which ferment sweat on the surface of the feet, especially in moist environments. Most commercial foot spray products contain high concentrations of alcohol that may cause skin irritation. This study formulated ReFresh Step, a non-alcohol antibacterial foot spray based on a combination of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract and kaffir lime peel (Citrus hystrix) extract in a Carbopol 940 gel base. The study aimed to formulate an antibacterial foot spray with various ratios of ethanolic extracts of lemongrass and kaffir lime peel (A = 1:1; B = 1:2; C = 2:1; total extract concentration 3% w/v) and to evaluate the physical quality of the formulation. Extraction was carried out using the maceration method with 96% ethanol solvent for 5 days. Physical quality evaluation included organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, spray pattern, drying time, and stability (cycling test, 6 cycles). Antibacterial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method on selective Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) media. The results showed an inhibition zone of 18 mm (strong category) in formulation A (1:1) on MSA media. All physical parameters met the standard requirements: pH 6, spray spreadability of 6.8 cm at a distance of 15 cm, and good stability, except for formulation C (2:1). The zero-waste approach successfully utilized solid kaffir lime peel residue as both a foot spray ingredient and a natural shoe deodorizer. Therefore, ReFresh Step foot spray has the potential to be developed as a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly functional cosmetic product based on natural ingredients.