Exposure of the skin to free radicals can cause oxidative stress; therefore, antioxidants are needed to help protect the skin from oxidative damage. Lime peel (Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle) and red dragon fruit peel (Selenicereus monacanthus (Lem.) D.R.Hunt) contain bioactive compounds that have potential as natural sources of antioxidants. This study aimed to formulate a combination of lime peel extract and red dragon fruit peel extract into an emulgel and evaluate its physical characteristics, antioxidant activity, and physical stability to determine the best formula. This study employed a laboratory experimental method, with extraction carried out by maceration using 96% ethanol. The extracts were then formulated into four formulas, namely F0 (0:0), F1 (1:1), F2 (2:1), and F3 (1:2). The preparations were evaluated based on organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, adhesion, stability through a cycling test, and antioxidant activity using the DPPH method with UV-Vis spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 517 nm. The results showed that the yields of lime peel extract and red dragon fruit peel extract were 20.57% and 12.86%, respectively. Phytochemical screening showed that both extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds. All formulas were homogeneous and had a pH value of 5.00 ± 0.00, while spreadability ranged from 5.13–6.57 cm and adhesion ranged from 189.00–262.33 seconds. During the cycling test, F0 and F2 maintained a semisolid consistency through the sixth cycle, whereas F1 softened and F3 showed a decrease in consistency beginning in the fourth cycle. Antioxidant activity showed IC₅₀ values of 83.33 ± 0.69 ppm for F1, 72.70 ± 0.82 ppm for F2, and 77.57 ± 1.37 ppm for F3, all of which were classified as strong antioxidants. Formula F2 was determined to be the best formula because it maintained a semisolid consistency throughout the cycling test, met all physical quality parameters, and had the lowest IC₅₀ value compared with F1 and F3. Therefore, the combination of lime peel extract and red dragon fruit peel extract at a ratio of 2:1 in formula F2 produced an emulgel with good physical characteristics, stability, and strong antioxidant activity. ABSTRAK Paparan radikal bebas pada kulit dapat menyebabkan stres oksidatif sehingga diperlukan antioksidan untuk membantu melindungi kulit dari kerusakan oksidatif. Kulit jeruk nipis (Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle) dan kulit buah naga merah (Selenicereus monacanthus (Lem.) D.R.Hunt) mengandung senyawa bioaktif yang berpotensi sebagai sumber antioksidan alami. Penelitian ini bertujuan memformulasikan kombinasi ekstrak kulit jeruk nipis dan kulit buah naga merah dalam bentuk emulgel serta mengevaluasi karakteristik fisik, aktivitas antioksidan, dan stabilitas fisiknya untuk menentukan formula terbaik. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode eksperimental laboratorium dengan ekstraksi secara maserasi menggunakan etanol 96%. Ekstrak kemudian diformulasikan menjadi empat formula, yaitu F0 (0:0), F1 (1:1), F2 (2:1), dan F3 (1:2). Evaluasi sediaan meliputi organoleptik, homogenitas, pH, daya sebar, daya lekat, stabilitas melalui cycling test, serta aktivitas antioksidan menggunakan metode DPPH dengan spektrofotometri UV-Vis pada panjang gelombang 517 nm. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rendemen ekstrak kulit jeruk nipis sebesar 20,57% dan kulit buah naga merah sebesar 12,86%. Hasil skrining fitokimia menunjukkan bahwa kedua ekstrak mengandung alkaloid, flavonoid, tanin, saponin, dan fenolik. Seluruh formula memiliki sediaan homogen dan nilai pH 5,00 ± 0,00, sedangkan daya sebar berada pada rentang 5,13–6,57 cm dan daya lekat 189,00–262,33 detik. Selama cycling test, F0 dan F2 mampu mempertahankan konsistensi semipadat hingga siklus ke-6, sedangkan F1 mengalami pelunakan dan F3 mengalami penurunan konsistensi mulai siklus ke-4. Aktivitas antioksidan menunjukkan nilai IC₅₀ F1 sebesar 83,33 ± 0,69 ppm, F2 sebesar 72,70 ± 0,82 ppm, dan F3 sebesar 77,57 ± 1,37 ppm, yang seluruhnya termasuk kategori antioksidan kuat. Formula F2 ditetapkan sebagai formula terbaik karena mampu mempertahankan konsistensi semipadat selama cycling test, memenuhi seluruh parameter mutu fisik, serta memiliki nilai IC₅₀ terendah dibandingkan F1 dan F3. Dengan demikian, kombinasi ekstrak kulit jeruk nipis dan kulit buah naga merah pada perbandingan 2:1 dalam formula F2 menghasilkan emulgel dengan karakteristik fisik yang baik, stabil, dan memiliki aktivitas antioksidan kuat.
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Nabela et al. (2026) studied this question.
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