ScentAway: A Herbal-Based Treatment for Odor Causing Microbes
Proponents:
Guillermo, Mary Joy S.
Labaupa, Zaijian Rone A.
Ramos, Sheena Katrina T.
ABSTRACT
Foot odor and fungal infections are concerns caused by microbial growth,
particularly from Mycobacteria, Ammonia, and other microbes. This study
investigates the development of a foot treatment in the form of a clay mask, using a
combination of natural antimicrobial agents to remediate foot odor and fungal
infections effectively. The formulation: It is Kaolin Clay-based, which serves as a
gentle base that absorbs sweat and toxins. Oregano and Tea tree are incorporated as
primary antimicrobial agents due to their proven antibacterial and antifungal
properties. The tea tree that will serve as a Charcoal is added to neutralize odor while
also having adsorption properties, and calamansi peel serves as a micro
antimicrobial agent and natural deodorizer. Additionally, niacinamide is added for
its skin-soothing and barrier-strengthening effects. The formulation is designed to
provide a multi-functional foot treatment that aims to treat odor, fungal infections,
and promotes overall foot hygiene.
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Poor foot hygiene, excessive sweating, and prolonged exposure to damp
environments contribute to these concerns, leading to discomfort and potential
health risks. Existing foot treatments often rely on synthetic chemicals that may
cause skin irritation or have limited long-term effectiveness. Thus, there is a growing
interest in natural alternatives that offer antimicrobial and deodorizing benefits while
maintaining skin health.
This study focuses on developing a Kaolin clay-based foot treatment in the
form of a clay mask, incorporating natural antimicrobial agents to address foot odor
and fungal infections effectively. Kaolin clay serves as a gentle base that absorbs
excess moisture and toxins, creating an environment less favorable for microbial
growth. The formulation includes oregano by which possess strong antibacterial and
antifungal properties, making them ideal for combating infections and reducing odor.
Tea tree Charcoal, known for its high adsorption capacity, is included to neutralize
odor and remove impurities. Additionally, calamansi peel , a natural source of citric
acid, provides mild antimicrobial effects and acts as a deodorizer. To further enhance
skin protection, niacinamide is added for its soothing properties and ability to
strengthen the skin barrier.
By combining these natural ingredients, the study aims to develop a multi-
functional foot treatment that not only addresses microbial growth but also promotes
overall foot hygiene. This research contributes to the growing demand for natural,
skin-friendly solutions in personal care, offering an effective and sustainable
alternative to conventional foot treatments.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1. Is there a significant effect on using natural ingredients (oregano, tea tree
charcoal, calamansi, and niacinamide) in reducing microbial growth and foot
odor?
2. Is there a significant effect on adding niacinamide to the kaolin clay-based
foot treatment to improve skin protection and reduce skin irritation?
3. Is there a significant difference in the effectiveness of the kaolin-clay based
foot treatment compared to existing synthetic foot treatment in reducing foot
odor and microbial growth?
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of the Kaolin clay and herbal-based
foot treatment.
2. To determine the role of niacinamide in improving skin protection and reducing
potential skin irritation when incorporated into the formulation.
3. To compare the effectiveness of ScentAway to synthetic foot treatments in
reducing foot odor and microbial growth.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study benefits athletes and workers who frequently wear endosed
footwear, mang them prone to foot odor and fungal infections. The dermatological
and personal care buttry can utilize the findings to develop natural, antimicrobial
foot treatments for improved hygienes Additionally, future researchers in
dermatology and natural product development can use this study as a foundation
for further exploration of natural antimicrobial formulations and clay based
treatments.
1. Athletes and Workers: Individuals who frequently wear enclosed footwear,
such as athletes, construction workers, and healthcare professionals, are
more prone to excessive sweating, foot odor, and fungal infections. This study
provides a natural and effective solution to improve foot hygiene, reduce
discomfort, and prevent microbial infections, ultimately enhancing their daily
comfort and well-being.
2. Dermatological Industry: Companies and professionals in the dermatological
and personal care industry can utilize the study’s findings to develop natural,
antimicrobial foot treatments. With the increasing demand for skin-friendly
and eco-conscious products, this research supports the creation of innovative,
sustainable solutions that promote foot health without relying on synthetic
chemicals.
3. Future Researchers: This study serves as a valuable reference for researchers
interested in dermatology, natural product formulation, and antimicrobial
treatments. It provides a foundation for further studies on natural ingredients
and their effectiveness in addressing foot-related issues. Future researchers
can build upon these findings to refine formulations or explore additional
natural antimicrobial agents.
METHODOLOGY
PHASE 1: RESEARCH DESIGN
This study follows an experimental research design to formulate and test the
effectiveness of a herbal-based treatment for odor causing microbes. The process
includes ingredient selection, formulation, testing, and analysis.
PHASE 2: COLLECTING OF MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS
• Base Ingredient: Kaolin Clay
• Carrier Base: Distilled Water
• Primary Antimicrobial Agents: Oregano, Tea Tree Oil
• Secondary Antimicrobial Agent: Calamansi
• Additional Ingredients: Niacinamide
• Mortar and Pestle
• Dehydrator
Figure 1: Kaolin Clay
Base ingredient that absorbs moisture and controls microbial growth.
Figure 2: Distillef Water
Base Carrier that ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Figure 3: Oregano
Primary antimicrobial agent with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Figure 4: Tea Tree Oil
Enhances antimicrobial action and soothes skin.
Figure 5: Calamansi
Provides mild antimicrobial effects and acts as a deodorizer.
Figure 6: Niacinamide
Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces irritation.
Figure 7: Mortar and Pestle
Used to grind dried oregano leaves into a fine powder.
Figure 9: Dehydrator
Dries fresh oregano leaves to preserve their potency.
PHASE 3: THE ACTUAL FORMULATION PROCESS
MAKING OREGANO POWDER
Step 1: Pluck fresh oregano leaves from the stems. Wash the leaves gently
under cold water to remove dirt or insects, then pat them dry with a towel.
Step 2: Dry the oregano using a laboratory dehydrator.
Step 3: Let the dried oregano leaves cool completely.
Step 4: Use a mortar and pestle to grind the dried oregano leaves into a fine
powder.
1. Ingredient Preparation:
• The Oregano powder will be acquired via Sun-drying process or via
laboratory Dehydrator and then processed by a grinder.
• Calamansi juice is extracted carefully in a sanitized environment like a
laboratory.
• The powderized activated charcoal from tea tree wood will be derived from a
grinder.
• Tea tree oil
• Niacinamide
• Kaolin Clay for the base.
2. Mixing the Formulation:
Step 1: Start off by blending or mixing the Kaolin Clay and Activated
charcoal from the tea tree.
Step 2: Add oregano powder gradually.
Step 3: Add Tea tree oil and Niacinamide gradually.\
A table of the formulation ration will be provided below:
INGREDIENTS FUNCTION RATIO
Kaolin Clay Absorbs moisture and impurities 50%
Distilled Water (Carrier 5%
Base) Adjusts consistency and enhances
application
Oregano Powder Fights microbes and fungi 15%
Tea Tree Oil Antifungal and antibacterial 5%
Activated Tea Tree Charcoal Odor absorption and detoxification 10%
Calamansi Extract Natural deodorizer 10%
Niacinamide Skin barrier support and anti-inflammatory 5%
COST OF ScentAway MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS PRICE PER QUANTITY PRICE
Kaolin Clay 500 grams at 150 pesos per 100 grams PHP 750
Distilled Water (Carrier 250ml of laboratory distilled water PHP 165
Base)
Oregano Powder Fights microbes and fungi PHP180
Tea Tree Oil 50 grams (approximately 55.6 mL) at 590 PHP 590
pesos
Activated Tea Tree Activated Charcoal: 100 grams at 250 PHP 250
Charcoal pesos
Calamansi Extract 100 grams at 150 pesos PHP 150
Niacinamide 50 grams at 150 pesos PHP 150
TOTAL PHP
2,235
APPLICATION AND TESTING
Consistency Testing: Add Distilled Water as carrier base to achieve a fast-drying,
smooth and spreadable texture.
Microbial Testing: The mask is tested in a laboratory to evaluate its antimicrobial
effects on common foot bacteria and fungi.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Based on research, the formulation is refined for effectiveness, safety, and
user satisfaction, with recommendations for dermatological applications and future
research.
The study concluded that the ScentAway: A Herbal-Based Treatment for Odor
Causing Microbes is effective due to the antimicrobial properties of oregano, tea tree
oil, charcoal, and calamansi. The Niacinamide played a crucial role in enhancing
skin protection and minimizing irritation, making the formulation non-comedogenic.
Compared to synthetic foot treatments, the natural formulation showed comparable
or superior effectiveness, highlighting its prominent potential as a natural, safe,
effective, and sustainable aid for odor-causing microbes.