Three phase emulsions for controlled delivery in the cosmetic field.

Synopsis Adding perfluoropolymethylisopropylether (Fomblin HC) to conventional cosmetic emulsion, causes the physicochemical and applicative properties of the formulation to be deeply modified, the main feature being the formation of three phase systems. The in vitro effects on percutaneous absorption of adding Fomblin HC to a cosmetic emulsion of three model compounds was assessed using caffeine, testosterone and tritiated water as model compounds. In vitro experiments were carried out through human skin using static and flow-through diffusion cells. The presence of Fomblin HC (1, 3, 5%) in the emulsion decreased the percutaneous absorption of testosterone (0.01%) but increased water permeation. These effects were dependent on Fomblin HC concentration. On the contrary, caffeine flux through the skin was not affected by Fomblin addition to the emulsion.