Determination of required hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of citronella oil and development of stable cream formulation.

Context: Citronella oil is reported to have excellent mosquito-repellent activity. To develop a stable cream formulation (emulsion), its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value is important.

Objective: To determine required hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (rHLB) value of citronella oil and to develop stable cream formulation.