Abstract
Purple sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Poiret) contain various bioactive compounds, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which have potential for development as natural active ingredients in topical preparations. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a purple sweet potato leaf extract emulgel with variations in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a gelling agent and propylene glycol as a cosolvent. The study employed an experimental laboratory design involving five emulgel formulations with different concentrations of HPMC and propylene glycol, while the concentrations of extract, virgin coconut oil, Tween 80, triethanolamine, and glycerin were kept constant. The physical characteristics were evaluated based on organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, adhesion, and emulsion type. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey HSD at a significance level of 5%. All formulations showed a brown color, characteristic odor, semisolid consistency, good homogeneity, and an oil-in-water emulsion type. The pH values ranged from 5.10 to 5.40, viscosity from 633 to 1,776 cPs, spreadability from 5.5 to 6.8 cm, and adhesion from 4.48 to 6.34 seconds. Significant differences were observed among formulations for pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion. Formula F5 demonstrated the most favorable overall physical characteristics. These findings indicate that variations in HPMC and propylene glycol can modify the physical characteristics of purple sweet potato leaf extract emulgel and support further development of the formulation as a topical preparation.