Antibacterial action of Lavender Essential Oil

Essential oils (EOs) or volatile oils are made up of complex mixtures of aromatic, lipophilic, liquid and odourous volatile substances originating from the metabolism of plants, which vary between species. EOs are gaining market share and consumers due to their application as plant actives. Lavandula angustiofolia L. (lavender) has antibacterial activity. Microdilution tests were carried out to check inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results were statistically evaluated by 4-parameter logistic regression. Lavender EO proved to be more effective against P. aeruginosa A creamy soap formulation was developed using lavender EO. EOs with antibacterial potential can replace or reduce the synthetic active ingredient triclosan. Test formulations with thickener, solubilising emulsifier and vegetable oil served as adjustments to the final formulation. Normal and accelerated stability tests show stable values and that lavender EO can potentiate antibacterial activity, but in vivo studies must be carried out to prove the formulation's effectiveness.