Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease. Normal skin flora, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, is a major cause of acne vulgaris. Bioactivity studies revealed that Java citronella oil (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) appears to have potential for use in the development of topical anti-acne preparations. The aims of this study were twofold: first, to compare antimicrobial activity against P. acnes between two preparations, oleogel containing citronella oil and oleogel containing citronella oil-loaded solid lipid particles; second, to investigate the stability of their major components. The results demonstrated that the solid lipid particle preparation process caused a change to the main components of the citronella oil-loaded solid lipid particles. Nevertheless, when the preparations were kept at 40^oC for 120 days, the anti-P. acnes activity of the oleogel containing the citronella oil-loaded solid lipid particles remained active, whereas the oleogel containing unencapsulated citronella oil was inactive by day 45. Moreover, a solid lipid wall provided protection from the volatility of the oil components of the oleogel and prolonged the release of citronella oil. In conclusion, topical anti-acne preparations containing citronella oil-loaded solid lipid particles could be good candidates for an alternative treatment for acne. Clinical trial on acne control efficacy would be needed for further study.