Gelled Oil-in-Water Microemulsions Stabilized with Natural Surfactant Decyl Glucoside as Cutaneous Nanocarriers for Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil: Formulation and Comprehensive Pharmacotechnical Characterization

Background/Objectives: Cinnamon bark essential oil (CEO) possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its topical application is limited by poor aqueous solubility, volatility, and chemical instability. The aim of this study was to develop gelled oil-in-water microemulsions stabilized with Decyl Glucoside for the cutaneous delivery of CEO and to evaluate their physicochemical and pharmaceutical characteristics.