Cream, the most popular topical dosage form

Due to its versatility of textures and uses, cream is the most frequent dosage form for skin drug delivery. From a sensorial perspective, cream can provide the full range of textures, from ultra-light to rich and creamy.

Alternatives in emulsification processes

From a macroscopic point of view, cream can be an oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion, or a multiple emulsion (O/W/O, W/O/W). From a microscopic point of view, it consists of an intimate dispersion of oil droplets in the aqueous continuous phase (O/W), or vice versa for W/O emulsions. Depending on drug physico-chemical properties and formulation composition, different emulsification processes can be used.

Cold emulsification process for heat sensitive APIs

Some drugs undergo degradation at temperature above 40°C and require therefore a process at room temperature. This is easily achievable with Plurol® Diisostearique.

One-pot emulsification process for simplified manufacturing

With the one-pot process, all ingredients are mixed in a single step in one tank, reducing the need for machinery, space and facilitating the cleaning procedure. Use our powerful, versatile emulsifier Tefose® 63.

Classical two-pot emulsification process

Traditionally the aqueous phase and the oily phase are prepared separately, and then mixed together to obtain the emulsion. Our range of emulsifiers can be used with this classical process. The choice among Apifil®, Gelot™ 64, Sedefos™ 75, Tefose® 1500 and Tefose® 63 will depend on the oil type and quantity required in the formulation.

Practical tips for cream formulation

Tefose® 63 is our best-of emulsifier, with exceptional skin and mucosal tolerance. Used at about 5% it forms light cream, and up to 20% to get rich cream. Its worldwide use with numerous APIs, for more than 60 years, is the proof of its incontestable effectiveness. Combine Tefose® 63 with Labrafil® M 1944 CS for utmost stability.

Gelot™ 64 is our trouble-shooting emulsifier, for difficult-to-formulate APIs. It provides excellent heat stability, over a wide range of pH (3 to 12). Combine with Emulcire™ 61 WL 2659 for a soft, velvet touch upon application.

Plurol® Diisostearique is a PEG-free, W/O emulsifier, ideal for thermosensitive or hydrosoluble APIs and offering excellent heat stability. It is processable at room temperature. Add Plurol® Oleique CC 497 as a co-emulsifier to enhance stability.