This document discusses common types of topical formulations including creams, ointments, pastes, lotions, and gels. It describes the key characteristics of each type such as composition, consistency, and suitability for different skin conditions. Factors to consider when choosing a topical formulation are also outlined, such as matching the formulation to the skin condition or site, and selecting ones that are less likely to cause irritation.

1. Avinash V. More
Department of cosmetic Technology
Anuradha college of Pharmacy, Chikhli

2. Common types of topical
formulations
 cream
 ointment
 paste
 lotion
 gel
 factors to consider when choosing a topical
preparation

3. 1. Cream
 emulsion of water and oil
 classified as oil in water (o/w) or water in oil (w/o)
emulsions
 o/w creams (e.g. vanishing creams) spread easily and
do not leave the skin greasy and sticky
 w/o creams (e.g. cold cream) are more greasy and
more emollient
 creams contain emulsifiers and preservatives which
may cause contact allergy

4. 2. Ointment
 semi-solid preparations of hydrocarbons (petrolatum,
mineral oil, paraffins, synthetic hydrocarbons)
 strong emollient effect makes it useful in dry skin
conditions
 occlusive effect enhances penetration of active drug and
improves efficacy (especially in thickened, lichenified skin)
 provides a protective film on the skin (e.g., useful in
housewife’s hands, irritant dermatitis)
 greasy, sticky, retains sweat (therefore, not suitable in wet
weepy dermatitis, hairy areas, skin prone to folliculitis, or
hot weather conditions)
 contains no water and does not require a preservative

5. 3. Paste
 mixture of powder and ointment (e.g., zinc oxide 20%
paste)
 addition of powder improves porosity (breathability). For
example, when treating diaper rash, a protective ointment
base which also allows breathability of the skin is desired.
 addition of powder to change an ointment into a paste also
increases the consistency of the preparation so that it is
more difficult to rub off. This property is useful when one
does not want an irritating preparation to get onto the
normal skin (e.g., anthralin paste for treating psoriasis).

6. 4. Lotion
 a loosely used term that nowadays includes any liquid preparation in
which inert or active medications are suspended or dissolved
 an o/w emulsion with a high water content to give the preparation a
liquid consistency can be considered a lotion
 most lotions are aqueous or hydroalcoholic systems; small amounts of
alcohol are added to aid solubilization of the active ingredient(s) and to
hasten evaporation of the solvent from the skin surface
 most acne lotions are hydroalcoholic which evaporate fast; they are
non-sticky and drying
 emulsion type lotions are usually not drying, depending on the water
content (higher water and/or less oil is more drying)
 lotions are easy to apply to large areas
 lotions are suitable for hairy areas, skin prone to folliculitis/acne,
intertriginous areas

7. 5. Gel
 transparent preparations containing cellulose ethers or
carbromer in water or a water-alcohol mixture
 gels liquify on contact with the skin, dry and leave a
thin film of active medication
 gels tend to be drying
 they are useful in hairy areas
 they are cosmetically acceptable

8. Factors to consider when choosing a topical
preparation:
 Always consider the effect of the vehicle. An occlusive vehicle
enhances penetration of the active ingredient and improves
efficacy. The vehicle itself may have a cooling, drying, emollient,
or protective action. It can also cause side effects by being
excessively drying or occlusive.
 Match the type of preparation with the type of lesions. For
example, avoid greasy ointments for acute weepy dermatitis.
 Match the type of preparation with the site (e.g., gel or lotion for
hairy areas).
 Consider irritation or sensitization potential. Generally,
ointments and w/o creams are less irritating, while gels are
irritating. Ointments do not contain preservatives or emulsifiers
if allergy to these agents is a concern.