Preparation, characterization and <i>in vitro</i> antimicrobial activity evaluation of thyme essential oil formulation to treat skin infections

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a topical formulation containing Thymus fontanesii Boiss. & Reut essential oil that could serve as an antimicrobial agent for the treatment of various skin diseases caused by bacteria, yeast and dermatophytes. The selected formulation exhibited a significant antimicrobial activity against all tested strains, better consistency, good homogeneity, no skin irritation and good stability for six months at 25 ± 2°C. Our results demonstrate that the formulation could be used safely as topical preparation to treat skin diseases caused by the tested microorganisms into the future.