Short essay on External Emulsions

Both types of emulsions are used for external purpose but w/o emulsions are more commonly used for this purpose.

Emulsions find maximum use in topical preparations, both for therapeutic and cosmetic use.

Therapeutically they are used as carrier for a drug. In cosmetic industry o/w emulsions have been used for formulation of make up foundation lotions, moisturing lotions, and hand lotions. Cold cream w/o is used when oily layers are desired to prevent moisture loss from the surface of skin, for barrier action and for cleansing action.

Example 1: Antiseptic cream

Rx

Cetrimide lg

Cetostearyl alcohol 10 g

White soft paraffin 10 g

Liquid paraffin 29 g

Purified water 50 g

Method of Preparation:

Dissolve cetostearyl alcohol in the liquid paraffin with gentle heat in a beaker and in another beaker dissolve cetrimide in purified water. Add warm oily phase into aqueous phase with stirring until cold.

Uses:

Antiseptic cream for the treatment of wounds, cuts and burns.

Example 2: Cold Cream

Liquid paraffin

Hard paraffin

Lanette wax

Glycerine

Water

Propyl paraben

Method of preparation:

Melt all oily substance in a beaker and dissolve aqueous substances in another beaker. Add aqueous solution to the mixture of oily phase with continuous and rapid stirring until it has congealed.

Uses: Skin protective and skin smoothner.