Formulation and evaluation of mosquito repellent roll on by using Orange peels

Mosquito-borne diseases are still a big problem for public health around the world, especially in warm and humid areas.In countries like India, diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and filariasis affect millions of people every year. As mosquitoes become less responsive to traditional chemical insecticides, and people are becoming more aware of the dangers of synthetic repellents, there is a growing need for safer, eco-friendly, and plant-based alternatives. Natural products from plants are becoming more popular because they are easy to break down, less harmful, and good for the environment.Orange peels, which are often thrown away as waste from the fruit industry, are a rich source of essential oils and other important compounds.These peels have volatile ingredients like limonene and citral that work well as mosquito repellents. Using orange peel extract is not only a cost-effective and natural way to make repellents but also helps in managing waste and gives more value to agricultural by-products.Making a mosquito repellent in the form of a roll-on has many practical benefits.Roll-ons are easy to use, do not leave a greasy feel, and let people control how much product they apply. They are portable and convenient for everyday use, especially when being outdoors.

Applying repellent directly on the skin is one of the most popular and effective ways to protect against mosquito bites.This study focuses on making and testing a mosquito repellent roll-on using orange peel extract.The product is designed to be safe, effective, and easy to use. It is tested for various qualities such as how it looks, its pH, thickness, how easily it spreads, how stable it is, whether it causes irritation, and how well it repels mosquitoes. This approach encourages the use of natural ingredients and supports sustainability by using renewable resources and reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.

Fig no.1 Orange peels

Advantages of Mosquito Repellent Roll On Using Orange Peels

• Uses natural and eco-friendly ingredients
• Makes use of waste orange peels, making it cost-effective
• Rich in limonene, which has strong mosquito-repellent properties
• Safe for the skin compared to synthetic alternatives
• Has a pleasant citrus scent

Definition of Mosquito Repellent:

Mosquito repellents are substances applied to the skin, clothing, or other surfaces to prevent mosquitoes from landing, biting, or feeding.These products either mask body odors or create a scent that repels mosquitoes. They are essential for preventing diseases like malaria and dengue.

1. Material and Equipment
   1. Material

Table no 1 Material and their role

1. 2. Equipment

Table no.2 Equipment and their purpose

2. Method and Evaluation
   1. Methodology

1. Preparation of Orange Peel Extract:

• Fresh orange peels were collected, washed with distilled water, and dried in the sun until completely dry.
• The dried peels were ground into a fine powder. The powder was then soaked in ethanol for 48–72 hours with regular stirring. The mixture was then filtered using Whatman filter paper.

Fig no. 2 Extraction of orange peels

2. Preparation of Roll-On Base:

• HPMC was mixed with distilled water, and glycerin was added as a moisturizer.
• The mixture was stirred continuously using a magnetic stirrer until a smooth gel was formed. The pH was adjusted to 5.5–6.5 using triethanolamine.

3. Incorporation of Extract:

• The orange peel extract was added slowly to the gel base while stirring continuously to ensure even mixing. A small amount of methyl paraben and a few drops of orange oil were also added.

4. Filling:

• The final product was poured into roll-on bottles and sealed properly.

4.2 Evaluation tests:

Physical Appearance:

The final product was clear, smooth, and had a light orange color.It was free from any visible particles, clumps, or separation. The uniform texture showed that all the ingredients were well mixed. The appearance remained the same even after storage, indicating good physical stability.

pH Test:

The pH of the product was found to be around 5.6, which is safe for the skin and helps keep the product stable.This pH level is comfortable for the skin and prevents any irritation.

Fig no. 3 Digital pH meter

Spreadability:

During testing on glass slides, the product spread easily with little effort, forming a thin and even layer on the skin.This helps in the even application of active ingredients. Good spreadability improves both the effectiveness and user experience.

Skin Irritation Test:

The product was tested on a small area of skin to check for possible irritation.No redness, itching, or swelling was observed, indicating that the ingredients are safe and mild on the skin.

Drying Test:

The product dried quickly after application, which is comfortable for the user. It did not leave a sticky or oily residue. The presence of ethanol helped speed up the drying process. Quick drying makes the product more convenient to use.

Washability Test:

The product was easily washed off with water without needing to rub hard. No residue or oily layer was left behind. This ensures better hygiene and comfort. Good washability makes the product more suitable for daily use.

Fig no. 6 Washability Test

Stability Test:

The product was stored at room temperature and checked over time. No major changes in color, smell, or texture were noticed. It remained consistent and stable during the entire study. This shows that the product has good shelf life.

Repellency Test:

The product showed effective mosquito repellent activity after application. It provided protection against mosquito bites for a reasonable period. The natural compounds like limonene in the product helped in repelling mosquitoes. Therefore, the formulation was found to be effective and reliable.

5. Result

                   Fig no. 6 Washability Test

Table no. 3 Result