Optimization of Cream Base and Hedonic Evaluation of Telon Cream with Variations in Essential Oil Composition

Abstract

Telon cream was developed as an alternative to traditional telon oil for infants to lower the risk of skin irritation from high essential-oil content while retaining its characteristic warming effect. This study optimized the cream base using the Simplex Lattice Design (SLD) and evaluated the effect of different essential-oil compositions on physical stability and sensory acceptance, focusing on the warming sensation. The base was optimized by varying the ratio of Olivem® 1000 and Flocare™ SK 425 to achieve suitable viscosity, spreadability, and adhesiveness. The optimized base was used to prepare four telon-cream formulas containing cajuput, fennel, ginger, and lavender oils. Stability was assessed by organoleptic observation, pH, viscosity, and spreadability under three storage conditions for four weeks. A hedonic test with 30 caregivers evaluated color, texture, aroma, and warming sensation using a 5-point liking scale. The optimal base ratio (Olivem® 1000:Flocare™ SK 425 = 4:1) yielded a desirability value of 1,0. All formulas met pH (5,9–6,1), viscosity (38,000–46,000 mPa·s), and spreadability (5,0–5,4 cm) requirements and remained stable. Hedonic testing showed no significant differences in color (p-value = 0,939) or texture (p-value = 0,665); aroma showed a borderline difference (p-value = 0,060), whereas the warming sensation differed significantly (p-value = 0,010). Formula F4 (cajuput 0,4%, fennel 0,4%, ginger 0,1%, lavender 0,1%) achieved the highest warming-sensation score with a favorable aroma. The optimized telon cream demonstrated good stability and was well accepted by users. The warming sensation emerged as a key attribute influencing consumer preference for telon creams.