Effects of Formulation Excipients on Skin Barrier Function in Creams Used in Pediatric Care

Semisolid dosage forms are recommended for the dermal care of babies and children.
If we look at the ingredients of these preparations, there are still many cases in which there are
substances (occlusive agents, preservatives) that no longer meet certain requirements of the modern
age, so it is timely to replace them with other substances. The aim of this work was to formulate a
science-based formulation with new components that keep or improve its moisturizing properties,
rheological parameters, and microbiological stability. Occlusive oils, like white petrolatum and
liquid paraffin and the preservative parabens are traditional ingredients in oil in water creams, were
replaced with white beeswax, sunflower oil, and phenoxyethanol, respectively. Cocoa butter, urea,
and glycerol were added to improve long-lasting hydration and support the barrier function of the
reformulated creams. The rheological properties of the formulations were determined. The effects of
the preparations on skin hydration and on the barrier function of the skin were tested. Furthermore,
microbiological stability was investigated. The result of the reformulation was an o/w cream that
provided a good longer-lasting hydration effect; supported the barrier function of the baby skin
without occlusion; and had adequate consistency, easy spreading, a pleasant skin feeling, proper pH,
and good microbiological stability.

Download the full MDPI publication here: Effects of Formulation Excipients on Skin Barrier Function in Creams Used in Pediatric Care

or continue reading here: Kovács, A.; Péter-Héderi, D.; Perei, K.; Budai-Szűcs, M.; Léber, A.; Gácsi, A.; Csányi, E.; Berkó, S. Effects of Formulation Excipients on Skin Barrier Function in Creams Used in Pediatric Care. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 729.

Keywords: pediatric care; o/w cream; excipients; formulation; microbiological stability; skin barrier;
skin hydration