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Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion An increasing interest in minimally invasive procedures hassled to a demand for an effective local anesthetic algorithm. The scalp presents a challenge in achieving effective anesthesia due to the presence of hair shafts. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different methods during a microneedling procedure, including 25 mg lidocaine and 25 mg prilocaine cream, skin spray with 10% lidocaine, and cold gel compresses.Sixty‐two men aged between 20 and 50 years underwent three microneedling treatments, each using a different method of anesthesia. The treatment area was divided into two equal parts, with one part exposed to a specific anesthetic method. Patients were asked to rate their pain on a 0–10 verbal analog scale. An attempt was made to objectify the results using algometry.A negative correlation was observed between the algometry results and the VAS score after the application of the cream and cold compresses.When choosing monotherapy, it is recommended to use cold gel compresses for scalp microneedling after considering the advantages and disadvantages of different methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION. The examination of protocols for clinical trials of locally applied and locally acting medicinal products highlights challenges that developers face when selecting the design, endpoints, population, comparison groups, and sample size. An analysis of the most common errors in clinical trial protocols will help minimise the number of comments from protocol reviewers and accelerate the process of bringing novel medicinal products to the pharmaceutical market.AIM. This study aimed to analyse the results of evaluating clinical trials of locally applied and locally acting medicinal products conducted with due consideration of the recent additions to the Rules for Conducting Bioequivalence Studies of Medicinal Products within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU); assess the main advantages of the added requirements and the challenges remaining in protocol development; and make recommendations for the most effective application of existing laws and regulations.DISCUSSION. The Rules for Conducting Bioequivalence Studies of Medicinal Products within the EAEU were supplemented with Appendices 11, 12, and 13 in August 2023. Since then, protocol reviewers have accumulated sufficient experience in the examination of clinical trial protocols for locally applied and locally acting medicinal products. This article presents the most frequent comments made during the examination of clinical trial protocols and provides recommendations for corrective actions. The most challenging aspects of drafting a protocol for a clinical trial of a locally applied and locally acting medicinal product include the selection and justification of primary/secondary endpoints and the calculation and justification of the population size. The difficulty is probably due to the lack of a detailed description of study characteristics in EAEU laws and regulations. Locally applied and locally acting corticosteroids are the least challenging medicinal products in terms of protocol drafting because EAEU legislation and scientific publications provide the most detailed guidance for them.CONCLUSIONS. The analysis of protocols for clinical trials of locally applied and locally acting medicinal products, relevant EAEU requirements, and applicable international guidelines identified several major challenges, including the selection of primary/secondary endpoints, the characterisation of the trial population, and the justification of the sample size. The recommendations presented in this article will help applicants in planning clinical trials aimed at accelerating the launch of medicinal products into the pharmaceutical market.

To decrease the lipid content in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, high internal phase Pickering W/O emulsions (HIPPE) were fabricated using magnetic stirring using a combination of monoglyceride (MAG) oleogel and polyglycerol polyacrylate oleate (PGPR) as stabilizers. Effects of MAGs (glyceryl monostearate-GMS, glycerol monolaurate-GML and glycerol monocaprylate-GMC) and internal phase components on the formation and properties of HIPPEs were investigated. The results showed that milky-white stabilized W/O HIPPE with up to 85 wt% aqueous phase content was successfully prepared, and the droplet interfaces presented a network of MAG crystals, independent of the MAG type. All HIPPEs exhibited great stability under freeze–thaw cycles but were less plastic. Meanwhile, GML-oleogel-based HIPPEs had larger particle size and were less thermal stable than GMS and GMC-based HIPPEs. Compared to guar gum, the internal phase components of sodium chloride and sucrose were more effective in reducing the particle size of HIPPEs, improving their stability and plasticity, and stabilizing them during 100-day storage. HIPPEs presented great spreadability, ductility and plasticity after whipping treatment. This knowledge provides a new perspective on the use of oleogels as co-stabilizers for the formation of W/O HIPPEs, which can be used as a potential substitute for creams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emulsions are complex. Dispersing two immiscible phases, thus expanding an interface, requires effort to achieve and the resultant dispersion is thermodynamically unstable, driving the system toward coalescence. Furthermore, physical instabilities, including creaming, arise due to presence of dispersed droplets of different densities to a continuous phase. Emulsions allow the formulation of oils, can act as vehicles to solubilize both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules, and can be tailored to desirable rheological profiles, including "gel‐like" behavior and shear thinning. The usefulness of emulsions can be further expanded by imparting stimuli‐responsive or "smart" behaviors by inclusion of a stimuli‐responsive emulsifier, polymer or surfactant. This enables manipulation like gelation, breaking, or aggregation, by external triggers such as pH, temperature, or salt concentration changes. This platform generates functional materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, oil recovery, and colloid engineering, combining both smart behaviors and intrinsic benefit of emulsions. However, with increased functionality comes greater complexity. This review focuses on the use of stimuli‐responsive polymers for the generation of smart emulsions, motivated by the great adaptability of polymers for this application and their efficacy as steric stabilizers. Stimuli‐responsive emulsions are described according to the trigger used to provide the reader with an overview of progress in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: There is an increasing demand for facial skin rejuvenation. Specialized aesthetic skincare treatments may be one of the first steps to help prevent or treat facial signs of aging. This article discusses aesthetic skin care for facial skin rejuvenation, particularly data on two creams containing Macrocystis pyrifera ferment. Methods: The authors convened a dermatology advisory board to discuss challenges and practices in using skincare for facial rejuvenation, combining their expert opinion and experience on facial rejuvenation with preclinical and clinical data on two creams containing Macrocystis pyrifera ferment and a review of the literature. Results: Preclinical and clinical studies on Macrocystis pyrifera ferment and two creams containing the ferment exhibit anti‐inflammatory, anti‐aging, and healing properties. In preclinical studies, the ferment demonstrated collagen type I enhancing properties in ex vivo skin models, and skin cells treated with the ferment migrated faster than untreated cells in the in vitro study. In clinical studies measuring visible anti‐inflammatory activity, the ferment alone and the ferment‐containing products significantly decreased erythema, and in anti‐aging studies, they improved visible skin aging parameters. Finally, in clinical studies on the stratum corneum, the two creams increased moisture levels and decreased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), reflecting healing by enhancing barrier strength and recovery. Conclusions: The Macrocystis pyrifera ferment and creams containing the ferment are effective skin care treatment products to decrease the visible effects of inflammation and signs of aging while promoting healing by enhancing barrier resilience and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To decrease the lipid content in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, high internal phase Pickering W/O emulsions (HIPPE) were fabricated using magnetic stirring using a combination of monoglyceride (MAG) oleogel and polyglycerol polyacrylate oleate (PGPR) as stabilizers. Effects of MAGs (glyceryl monostearate-GMS, glycerol monolaurate-GML and glycerol monocaprylate-GMC) and internal phase components on the formation and properties of HIPPEs were investigated. The results showed that milky-white stabilized W/O HIPPE with up to 85 wt% aqueous phase content was successfully prepared, and the droplet interfaces presented a network of MAG crystals, independent of the MAG type. All HIPPEs exhibited great stability under freeze–thaw cycles but were less plastic. Meanwhile, GML-oleogel-based HIPPEs had larger particle size and were less thermal stable than GMS and GMC-based HIPPEs. Compared to guar gum, the internal phase components of sodium chloride and sucrose were more effective in reducing the particle size of HIPPEs, improving their stability and plasticity, and stabilizing them during 100-day storage. HIPPEs presented great spreadability, ductility and plasticity after whipping treatment. This knowledge provides a new perspective on the use of oleogels as co-stabilizers for the formation of W/O HIPPEs, which can be used as a potential substitute for creams.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity, quality and stability of creams (at 1 % concentration) prepared with synthesized silver(I) complexes: [Ag(Nam)2]NO3·H2O ( AgNam), [Ag2(HGly)2]n(NO3)2n (AgGly) (Nam – nicotin-amide, Gly – glycine) and silver(I) sulfadiazine (AgSD), which is commercially available. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion method and in in vivo case. The pure silver(I) complexes as well as all three tested creams loaded with AgGly, AgSD and AgNam showed antibacterial potential. Moreover, the creams loaded with AgGly and AgNam showed higher antibacterial effects against S. aureus and B. subtilis than the cream loaded with AgSD. In terms of appearance, all cream samples were opaque and odourless, and no phase separation was observed. Creams were soluble in water (o/w emulsions) and they had a pseudoplastic behaviour. The pH of the creams was in the range of 4.87–5.75. No visible changes were observed in the case of commercially used AgSD cream during one month testing period at conditions –16 ± 1 °C; 6 ± 1 °C and 56 % relative humidity; 20 ± 1 °C and 58 % relative humidity and 40 ± 1 °C and 75 % relative humidity. However, creams containing AgGly and AgNam changed their colour depending on the tested conditions.

Ointments, creams and gels in experimental and clinical oncology The treatment of oncology patients is most often identified with the use of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Due to the safety of use of the semi-solid formulations, compared to classical systemic therapy in oncology, are gaining more and more interest among researchers. Effective topical pharmacotherapy in oncology using semi-solid formulations is a technological challenge for pharmacists. The structure of the epidermis makes it difficult for hydrophilic anticancer substances to penetrate into the deeper parts of the skin. Active substances remain in the stratum corneum, which is a physiological barier of the skin. Due to technological problems a small number of externally applied preparations, which are indicated for anticancer treatment have been registrated so far. The aim of this study was to assess the availability of oncological drugs applied in semi-solid preparations, mainly ointments, creams and gels. The paper reviews the literature for experimental studies, clinical trials as well as data from the Polish Patent Office and the European Patent Office verifying the usefulness of semi-solid formulations were review in this article. Attention was paid to the physicochemical properties of the active substances. Also in this article was evaluated the pharmaceutical form as well as to the characteristics of the excipients. The research focuses on drug forms such as creams (60%), gels (25%) and ointments (15%). The topical application of drugs with anticancer activity promotes increased therapeutic efficacy. Use of external pharmacotherapy, it is possible to minimise systemic side effects, to target the tumour lesion directly and to achieve an optimal concentration of the therapeutic substance at the target site. Semi-solid forms can be recommended for patients who are not eligible for surgery or systemic chemotherapy. Of particular interest are creams and gels containing well recognised cytostatics in oncology, such as 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, tamoxifen.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have now been used in skin care creams for several years, with marketed anti-aging, moisturizing, and regenerative properties. Information on the harmful effects of these nanoparticles is lacking, a concern for the use of AuNPs as cosmetic ingredients. Testing AuNPs without the medium of a cosmetic product is a typical method for obtaining this information, which is mainly dependent on their size, shape, surface charge, and dose. As these properties depend on the surrounding medium, nanoparticles should be characterized in a skin cream without extraction from the cream's complex medium as it may alter their physicochemical properties. The current study compares the sizes, morphology, and surface changes of produced dried AuNPs with a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilizer and AuNPs embedded in a cosmetic cream using a variety of characterization techniques (TEM, SEM, DLS, zeta potential, BET, UV–vis). The results show no observable differences in their shapes and sizes (spherical and irregular, average size of 28 nm) while their surface charges changed in the cream, indicating no major modification of their primary sizes, morphology, and the corresponding functional properties. They were present as individually dispersed nanoparticles and as groups or clusters of physically separated primary nanoparticles in both dry form and cream medium, showing suitable stability. Examination of AuNPs in a cosmetic cream is challenging due to the required conditions of various characterization techniques but necessary for obtaining a clear understanding of the AuNPs' properties in cosmetic products as the surrounding medium is a critical factor for determining their beneficial or harmful effects in cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulium damnosum sensu lato (Diptera: Simuliidae) commonly known as black fly transmits Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite which causes onchocerciasis (river blindness) in Africa. The medical and socio-economic importance associated with the biting of this fly is enormous, hence, the need to devise effective means of breaking man-fly contact. The present study examined repellent activities of formulated topical creams prepared from white soft paraffin and two concentrations (5.0% and 7.5%) of essential oils of three plants, namely Monodora myristica, Eugenia caryophyllus and Xylopia aethiopica against Simulium damnosum s.l. vectors of human onchocerciasis in Nigeria. The chemical characterization of the oils was determined using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Fly collectors that applied the formulated creams at both concentrations caught lower numbers of black flies compared with the control. The difference in the number of flies caught between each of the three essential oils and the control was statistically significant at 7.5% concentration, whereas only E. caryophyllus was significantly different from the control at 5.0% concentration. Eugenia caryophyllus had the highest repellent activities, with the protection of 47.1% and 50.6%, followed by X. aethiopica (37.1% and 36.1%), whereas M. myristica had the least (28.7% and 34.1%) for concentrations of 5.0% and 7.5%, respectively. Trans-13-octadecenoic acid, Eugenol and Alpha-pinene were found to be the principal chemical constituents in M. myristica, E. caryophyllus and X. aethiopica, respectively. The active agents in the essential oils could be useful in providing low-cost repellents to prevent human-vector contact in black fly-infested communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manufacturing of stable emulsion is a very important challenge for the cosmetic industry, which has motivated intense research activity for replacing conventional molecular stabilizers with colloidal particles. These allow minimizing the hazards and risks associated with the use of conventional molecular stabilizers, providing enhanced stability to the obtained dispersions. Therefore, particle-stabilized emulsions (Pickering emulsions) present many advantages with respect to conventional ones, and hence, their commercialization may open new avenues for cosmetic formulators. This makes further efforts to optimize the fabrication procedures of Pickering emulsions, as well as the development of their applicability in the fabrication of different cosmetic formulations, necessary. This review tries to provide an updated perspective that can help the cosmetic industry in the exploitation of Pickering emulsions as a tool for designing new cosmetic products, especially creams for topical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have now been used in skin care creams for several years, with marketed anti-aging, moisturizing, and regenerative properties. Information on the harmful effects of these nanoparticles is lacking, a concern for the use of AuNPs as cosmetic ingredients. Testing AuNPs without the medium of a cosmetic product is a typical method for obtaining this information, which is mainly dependent on their size, shape, surface charge, and dose. As these properties depend on the surrounding medium, nanoparticles should be characterized in a skin cream without extraction from the cream’s complex medium as it may alter their physicochemical properties. The current study compares the sizes, morphology, and surface changes of produced dried AuNPs with a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilizer and AuNPs embedded in a cosmetic cream using a variety of characterization techniques (TEM, SEM, DLS, zeta potential, BET, UV–vis). The results show no observable differences in their shapes and sizes (spherical and irregular, average size of 28 nm) while their surface charges changed in the cream, indicating no major modification of their primary sizes, morphology, and the corresponding functional properties. They were present as individually dispersed nanoparticles and as groups or clusters of physically separated primary nanoparticles in both dry form and cream medium, showing suitable stability. Examination of AuNPs in a cosmetic cream is challenging due to the required conditions of various characterization techniques but necessary for obtaining a clear understanding of the AuNPs’ properties in cosmetic products as the surrounding medium is a critical factor for determining their beneficial or harmful effects in cosmetic products.

An infection of the foot with fungi, such as the Athlete's foot, is frequently observed globally, both in men and women. In the present review, different marketed products used in treating Athlete's foot disease were critically analysed and compared. The marketed products include Oral medications and Topical medications like creams, gels, dusting powders, and sprays to meet the needs of Athlete's foot disease patients. Oral products are prescribed only when topical treatments are unsuccessful and the infection becomes systemic or deep-rooted. They may cause mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, and digestive problems to serious side effects like liver damage. In comparison to oral medications, topical fungal therapy is usually preferred due to no systemic side effects, ability to bypass first-pass metabolism, and minimum toxicity. Gels are preferred over creams for being effective and easily washable. With powders, moisture retention may delay the healing process leading to secondary infections with bacteria. Sprays can release the drug easily in hard-to-reach corners of the body. However, propellants used in them are inflammable, and the products are expensive. Oral products are best for treating chronic infections despite their side effects, and topicals are suitable for mild infections, with sprays being the most convenient formulation. Several studies have indicated that topical nanocarriers with antifungal agents display superior therapeutic efficacy and minimal toxicity due to their ability to overcome challenges associated with conventional drug delivery systems like poor retention and low bioavailability. There is a good scope for developing topical nanocarrier-based antifungal formulations to treat Athlete's foot disease with minimum side effects effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Withania frutescens (W. frutescens) is a medicinal plant that is largely used in the Morrocan pharmacopeia for disease treatment. This work was conducted to investigate the chemical characterization, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing activities of W. frutescens. The chemical characterization of W. frutescens extract was done using HPLC; the anti-inflammatory test was performed with doses 300, 400 and 450 mg/kg, and the healing activity was assessed using two creams (extract 5% and extract 10%). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. The results of the anti-inflammatory test were more pronounced when compared with the reference drug with a maximum inhibition percentage of 82.20% ± 8.69 obtained at the dose of 450 mg/kg. Local application of 10% plant cream induced 80.17% ± 7.89 of inflammation inhibition when compared with the indomethacin drug 92.33% ± 11.27. The studied plant extract showed a promising healing activity with the following percentage: 99.03% ± 0.76 (extract 10%), 98.61% ± 1.91 (extract 5%), and 57.43% ± 2.97 (control); meanwhile, the value reached to 100% ± 0.02 for the drug that was used as a reference within the first 2 weeks. The plant studied in this work would be a promising source for conceptualizing effective drugs against inflammatory diseases.

Although superficial wounds are often easy to treat for healthy individuals, there are some more severe types of wounds (burns, ulcers, diabetic wounds, etc.) that are a challenge for clinicians. A good therapeutic result is based on the delivery of a treatment at the right time, for the right patient. Our goal was to sum up useful knowledge regarding wound healing and wound treatments, based on creams and hydrogels with various active ingredients. We concluded that both preparations have application in preventing infections and promoting healing, but their efficacy is clearly conditioned by the type, depth, severity of the wound and patient profile. However, due to their superior versatility and capability of maintaining the integrity and functionality of the active ingredient, as well as it is controlled release at site, hydrogels are more suited for incorporating different active ingredients. New wound healing devices can combine smart hydrogel dressings with physical therapies to deliver a more efficient treatment to patients if the indications are appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheological properties of mild pharmaceutical formulations (creams) with glucocorticosteroids, such as Triderm (Belgium), Akriderm GK (Russia) and Kanizon plus (India) were studied. The study revealed differences in the structural-strength properties of the medicines (viscosity, critical shear stress). The necessity of rheological investigations during development of generic medicines was shown.

The manufacturing of stable emulsion is a very important challenge for the cosmetic industry, which has motivated intense research activity for replacing conventional molecular stabilizers with colloidal particles. These allow minimizing the hazards and risks associated with the use of conventional molecular stabilizers, providing enhanced stability to the obtained dispersions. Therefore, particle-stabilized emulsions (Pickering emulsions) present many advantages with respect to conventional ones, and hence, their commercialization may open new avenues for cosmetic formulators. This makes further efforts to optimize the fabrication procedures of Pickering emulsions, as well as the development of their applicability in the fabrication of different cosmetic formulations, necessary. This review tries to provide an updated perspective that can help the cosmetic industry in the exploitation of Pickering emulsions as a tool for designing new cosmetic products, especially creams for topical applications.

In the cosmetic industry, a frequent anti-aging approach is the protection of cells responsible for the continuous skin renewal and the maintenance of its barrier function - epidermal stem cells, using the secondary metabolites and epigenetic factors of the plant stem cells. Alp rose stem cells (ARSC) extract in liposomes is used as a cosmetic active ingredient in the cosmetic products for the skin care and its protection. According to the manufacturer, this cosmetic active ingredient possess the ability to increase the vitality of epidermal stem cells, protects them against the negative external influences, affects the regeneration of epidermal cells, improves the skin barrier function and has certain anti-aging effects. However, in order for these effects to be observed in in vivo conditions and for ARSC epigenetic factors and secondary metabolites to reach their target places, liposomes in the cosmetic products should remain intact and unchanged. Therefore, according to the EU regulations on the cosmetic products (Regulations 1223/2009 and 655/2013), cosmetic products with plant (alp rose) stem cells can not be attributed to the effects of the containing cosmetic ingredients, and any claims about the each product efficacy has to be supported by the data obtained on the human volunteers.

Creams are considered an important part of cosmetic product as topical preparations from time immemorial due to their ease of application to the skin and also their removal. From cosmetic purposes, Pharmaceutical creams have a variety of applications such as cleansing, beautifying, altering appearance, moisturizing etc. to skin protection against bacterial, fungal infections as well as healing cuts, burns, wounds on the skin. These semi solid preparations are safe to use by the public and society. The human skin is easily vulnerable to injury but it has the capability to heal on its own. However, the natural healing process can take time and there is also risk of infection especially in the early stages of injury. In such cases, medicated creams can be applied to the site of injury to speed up the healing process as well as protect the wound from infection. In this review, we have focused on the use of topical drug delivery system i.e. pharmaceutical creams for wound healing with detailed discussion relating to the wound healing process, suitable methods of preparation of creams, their classification based on their function, their advantages and disadvantages, characteristics and the various types of creams, ingredients used in the formulation of creams and their various evaluation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensory properties of cosmetic products can influence consumers’ choice. The accurate correlation of sensory properties, such as skin hydration, with the material properties of the formulation could be desirable. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate a new method for the in vitro measurement of the refractive indices (RIs) of turbid creams. The critical wavelength of each cream was obtained through direct measurement using a sun protection factor (SPF) meter; the wavelength value was then applied in the Sellmeier equation to determine the RI. The results obtained from the in vitro skin hydration measurement for each cream correlated with their RI values. This suggests that RI measurements could be a useful predictive tool for the ranking of creams in terms of their skin hydration effects.

A study on physicochemical characteristics of Ceiba petandra and Lannea kerstingii stem bark extracts cream being developed for the treatment of topical dermatophytic infections has been carried out to assure safe, effectiveness and stability during storage and usage. The stem barks of Ceiba petandra and Lannea kerstingii were extracted with methanol and ethyl acetate respectively. The obtained extracts and their combinations were formulated into creams using modified Aqueous Cream BP base at concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 3.2%w/w. Physical and chemical characteristics of the creams such as stability, viscosity, pH, diffusion, irritancy and elegance were evaluated. Ketoconazole cream was used as the reference product. Creams prepared with each extract alone exhibited favorable characteristics in terms of spread ability, non-irritancy, stability and diffusivity. Creams formulated with Ceiba petandra were most stable with pH ranges of 6.21 to 7.13. Those formulated Lannea kerstingii were more acidic. Creams formulated with the combinations of the two extracts exhibited some levels of incompatibility, which increased with increasing extract concentrations. The rate of diffusion of the extracts from cream base increased with time and was generally more at 37o C as compared to that at 25o c .Cream formulations of the stem bark extracts of Ceiba petandra and Lannea kerstingii but not their combinations using modified Aqueous Cream (BP) possess satisfactory physicochemical characteristics.

The by-products of olive oil industry are a major ecological issue due to their phenolic content, highly toxic organic load, and low pH. However, they can be recovered and reused, since their components have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotector properties. In this work, oil-in-water creams containing three different olive oil industry by-products extracts were produced without the use of organic solvents. First, the extracts were thoroughly characterized in vitro for cytotoxicity, inhibition of skin enzymes, and antioxidant and photoprotection capacities. Safety studies were then performed, including ocular and skin irritation tests, ecotoxicity evaluation, and in vivo Human Repeat Insult Patch Test. The results obtained in this initial characterization supported the incorporation of the extracts in the cream formulations. After preparation, the creams were characterized for their organoleptic, physicochemical, droplet size and rheological properties, and microbial contamination. The results showed that all formulations were semi-solid creams, with stable pH, compatible with the skin, without microbial contamination, and with the expected droplet size range. The rheological analysis showed shear-thinning behavior with yield stress, with the viscosity decreasing with increasing shear rate. The oscillatory results suggest that the creams have a strong network structure, being easily rubbed into the skin. Finally, compatibility, acceptability and antioxidant efficacy were evaluated in vivo, in human volunteers. No adverse reactions were observed after application of the formulations on skin and the cream with the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds showed the highest antioxidant efficiency. In conclusion, the results suggest that olive oil industry by-products extracts have valuable properties that favor their re-use in the cosmetic industry. The example presented here showed their successful incorporation into creams and their impact in these formulations’ appearance, pH, and rheological performance, as well as their in vivo compatibility with skin and antioxidant efficiency.

The main purpose of this project is investigation of the organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) enzyme activity in water in oil (w/o) and oil in water (o/w) creams and investigation of the OPH enzyme stability in formulated creams. OPH enzyme was extracted and purified from strain flavobacterium. The w/o and o/w creams were prepared using different formulations. In order to achieve an emulsion with maximum stability, appropriate percentage of the cream components was selected by studying different formulations and the physical and chemical stability of the produced cream were considered. 5Uenzyme/90gcream enzyme was used for each formulation. To measure the enzyme activity in creams, extraction method was used and enzyme activity was determined based on parathion hydrolysis. The thermal stability of OPH in both types of w/o and o/w creams was studied at 4 and 30 °C for various time periods. The average enzyme activity was about 0.0065 U/gcream and 0.018 U/gcream for w/o and o/w creams respectivly. According to the results, the relative activity at 4 °C was reduced to 50% after 26 and 45 days in w/o and o/w creams, respectivly. The results showed that the OPH enzyme activity in o/w cream was 2.6 times more than that of w/o cream, because of the higher hydrophobicity of o/w cream compared to w/o. The OPH enzyme stability in o/w cream was greater in comparison to w/o cream. The OPH enzyme was active for nearly 2 months on o/w creams at 4 °C .

It is well-established that oil-in-water creams can be stabilised through the formation of lamellar liquid crystal structures in the continuous phase, achieved by adding (emulsifier) mixtures comprising surfactant(s) combined (of necessity) with one or more co-surfactants. There is little molecular-level understanding, however, of how the microstructure of a cream is modulated by changes in co-surfactant and of the ramifications of such changes on cream properties. We investigate here the molecular architectures of oil-free, ternary formulations of water and emulsifiers comprising sodium dodecyl sulfate and one or both of the co-surfactants hexadecanol and octadecanol, using microscopy, small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering. We then deploy these techniques to determine how the structures of the systems change when liquid paraffin oil is added to convert them to creams, and establish how the structure, rheology, and stability of the creams is modified by changing the co-surfactant. The ternary systems and their corresponding creams are shown to contain co-surfactant lamellae that are subtly different and exhibit different thermotropic behaviours. The lamellae within the creams and the layers surrounding their oil droplets are shown to vary with co-surfactant chain length. Those containing a single fatty alcohol co-surfactant are found to contain crystallites, and by comparison with the cream containing both alcohols suffer adverse changes in their rheology and stability.

Caffeine is well known alkaloid chemical compound belonging to the methyl-xanthines group. It is an active substance that is found in many cosmetic products, as it has a stimulating action on both the central nervous system and the metabolism. Commercially available topical formulations normally contain 3% of caffeine and 7% anticellulite products.

Caffeine is a methylxanthine typically found in the Coffee Arabica L plant. Generally, caffeine is well-known as a orally administered mild stimulant of the central nervous system. However, for cosmetic purpose, caffeine is an active compound ingredient, at 7% concentration, in several anticellulite products. The efficiency of this mode of delivery is not fully understood. Hence, the aim of the study was to ascertain the effectiveness of particular carriers to release this ingredient. In so doing, we prepared six creams based upon different oils (Sesame oil, Rice oil, Walnut oil, Coconut oil, Sweet almond oil and Jojoba oil), containing 5% of caffeine, and compared the release of the substance from the obtained preparations. Initially, all of the creams were subjected to a variety of physical tests, among these being for slippage and spreadability. Furthermore, their rheological properties were evaluated. Subsequently, the creams were tested for caffeine release. In the slippage and spreadability tests, the coconut oil-based cream was revealed as having the best parameters. However, the rheological tests showed that all of the preparations had the pseudoplastic character of flowing according to the Ostwald de Waele power law model. The power low index (n) for all the preparations was from 0.2467-0.3179 at 20°C and 0.2821-0.3754 at 32°C. At 20°C, the Sesame oil-, Walnut oil-, Sweet almond oil- and Jojoba oil-based creams were thixotropic, but at 32°C, thixotropy appeared only in the Walnut oil-based creams.

Background: Natural oils have a variety of pharmaceutical applications. They can be used in the preparation of a formulation which is beneficial as addictives and also pharmacological agents. One of such medicinally important plants is Moringa oleifera. Objective: The current investigation mainly focuses on the development of anti-inflammatory cream using Moringa seed oil and its pharmacological evaluation. Materials and Methods: The oil was extracted from Moringa seeds using cold pressing technique and then subjected to phytochemical screening which revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids. Various creams were prepared with alkali saponification of free fatty acids present in the oil to get o/w type of emulsion type cream. Various physicochemical tests such as the determination of viscosity, pH, irritancy, dye test, and accelerated stability studies were performed for the prepared creams. Results: Of all the creams, the formulation MF4prepared with 500 mg potassium hydroxide was suitable for all acceptable characteristics of o/w type emulsion type of cream. The in vitro diffusion studies were carried out using Franz diffusion cell. The extracted oil was also subjected to various characterization studies such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The ex vivo anti-inflammatory activity was carried out using heat-induced hemolysis and protein denaturation techniques. Whereas in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was performed on male Albino rats using paw edema technique. A significant 70% reduction in paw edema was observed. Conclusion: Thus, the current research reveals the novel formulation with traditional Moringa oil having anti-inflammatory potency. Abbreviations Used: FT-IR: Fourier Transform Infra Red; GC-MS: Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy; HPTLC: High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography; MF4 - Moringa oleifera formulated cream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Contact dermatitis is a common and preventable work-related disease. Skin-specific training may be effective for preventing occupational contact dermatitis, but little information is available regarding actual workplace training and its effectiveness. Aims: To describe workplace skin-specific training among workers with suspected contact dermatitis. Methods: Patch test patients being assessed for suspected contact dermatitis at an occupational health clinic in Toronto, Canada, completed a questionnaire on training experiences, workplace characteristics, exposures and skin protection practices. Results: Of 175 patients approached, 122 (71%) workers completed questionnaires. Many (80%) had received general occupational health and safety and hazardous materials training (76%). Fewer (39%) received skin-specific training. Of those with work-related contact dermatitis, 52% did not receive skin-specific training. Skin-specific training was commonly provided by health and safety professionals or supervisors using video, classroom and online techniques. Content included glove use, exposure avoidance and hand washing information. Workers that received skin-specific training found it memorable (87%), useful (85%) and common sense in nature (100%). Conclusions: This study indicates gaps in workplace training on skin disease prevention for workers with contact dermatitis. Workers perceived skin-specific training to be useful. Understanding worker training experiences is important to prevention programme development and reducing work-related skin disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of mineral water for therapeutic purposes has varied from century to century and from country to country. Its effectiveness depends on the individual experiences of the population and their cultural traditions. Usually, the waters recommended for dermatological treatment are hot springs that contain sulfur or more recently, silicon. The mechanisms by which mineral waters actuate in dermatological disorders are still not clear but it is believed that they involve thermal, mechanical, chemical, immunologic, and anti-oxidant reactions and enzymatic activity. The aim of this study is to characterize the thermal waters of Monfortinho, one of the oldest Portuguese spas, their potential use for the preparation of dermatological formulations (creams), and their effectiveness on the treatment of skin disorders (psoriasis and eczema). To accomplish this, cream formulations with different contents of thermal water were developed. The formulations were characterized in terms of thermal water analysis and physicochemical properties and their effects were studied by skin biometrics in adults (mean age of 54.3 years old) through skin hydration evaluation and evaluated in clinical studies on 22 patients with psoriasis and eczema. The results showed that all the formulations improved the skin hydration and have beneficial effects in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis and other disorders, but no significant differences were observed when thermal water was used (compared to laboratory ultra-pure water).

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is increasingly gaining significance in the pharmaceutical industry for quality and in-process control. However, the potential of this method for quantitative quality control in pharmacies has long been neglected and little data is available on its application in analysis of creams and ointments. This study evaluated the applicability of NIR spectrometer with limited wavelength range (1000–1900 nm) for quantitative quality control of six different dermatological semi-solid pharmaceutical preparations. Each contained a frequently used active ingredient in a common concentration either in a water-free lipid base or in an aqueous cream matrix. Based on direct NIR transflectance measurements through standardized glass beakers and partial least squares (PLS) multivariate calibration, quantitative models were generated comparing several data pre-processing methods Whereas difficulties were observed for mixtures containing 2% (w/w) metronidazole or 4% (w/w) erythromycin, content determination was possible with sufficient accuracy for salicylic acid (5 % (w/w)) and urea (10% (w/w)) in hydrophilic as well as in lipophilic formulations meeting the limit of a maximum deviation of ± 5% (relative) from the reference values. Exemplarily, one of the methods was successfully validated according to the EMA Guideline, determining several figures of merit such as specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides with the research results of swelling and dissolution of sodium alginate, iota-carageenan and agar in cream for the purpose of justifying the way of their infusion in emulsive-foamy system of cream. It has been found that with the creamed mass cooling the polysaccharides form the gel frame that prevents its stratification and provides stability to the system during the lifetime. The study of functional and technological properties of the hydrocolloids examined allows extending the range of their application, improving the performance characteristics of cream quality with the reduced fat weight fraction- to increase the temperature range of finishing. Taking into account the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of finished product quality, the rational conditions of sodium alginate and carageenan infusion and rational concentration of their use have been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a topical product is part of the overall strategy for skin cancer prevention. The level of protection attainable when using commercial products is indicated by the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value, in use everywhere. This value reflects the level of protection primarily in the UVB range. However, UVA radiation also has deleterious effects on the skin, and it is essential to prevent it, which is why products must offer a wide spectrum of protection. Tests conducted in vivo , before any marketing, are done by applying the studied product at a rate of 2.0 mg cm −2 , while users, in practice, only use 1.0–1.5 mg cm −2 . We now know that this reduction in the amount of applied product greatly affects the SPF. To complete the state of knowledge in this area, we sought to evaluate the effect of a decrease in the amount of applied sunscreen product by studying sunscreen creams and oils on the level of protection attainable in the UVA range. We have shown that the PF-UVA is divided by a factor of 2.2, on average, when the amount of applied product is reduced by half, with differences depending on the product type under consideration (cream or oil) and depending on the SPF of the preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present work was to obtain stable emulsions prepared with soy milk, refined sunflower oil and milk fat. By Quick Scan measures, emulsions formulated with soy milk (5 and 10 %), variable proportion and composition of lipid phase and absence or presence of xhantan gum, more stable formulations were determined. Creaming was the main mechanism of destabilization of the emulsions. Those formulated with more concentrated soy milk, greater content of lipid phase and presence of xhantan gum were more stable. The stability increase of emulsions with a higher content of oil was attributed to the increase of viscosity instead of the droplet size. The content of milk fat in lipid phase had a low influence on droplet size but didn't show changes in droplet distribution and emulsion stability. Consistency increase due to stirring was favoured in emulsions of 40-50 % of lipid phase (30-50 % of milk fat).