Creams
What are Creams?
Creams are semi-solid emulsions (mixtures of oil and water) that are used for
topical application to the skin. They are designed to moisturize, protect,
deliver medication, or treat skin conditions.
Types of Creams
Creams are mainly classified based on the type of emulsion:
1. Oil-in-Water (O/W) Creams
Description: Tiny oil droplets dispersed in water.
Characteristics:
Less greasy
Easy to wash off
More hydrating
Examples: Moisturizing creams, cosmetic creams
2. Water-in-Oil (W/O) Creams
Description: Tiny water droplets dispersed in oil.
Characteristics:
Greasy
More occlusive (better for dry skin)
Harder to wash off
Examples: Cold creams, barrier creams
Uses of Creams
Moisturization: Treats dry, rough, or scaly skin.
Medication Delivery: Carries active ingredients like steroids, antibiotics,
antifungals to the skin.
Cosmetic Purposes: Used in beauty products for skin whitening, anti-aging, or
UV protection.
Protection: Forms a barrier against irritants (like diaper rash creams).
Healing: Helps in wound healing or treating minor burns.
Advantages of Creams
Ease of Application: Spreads easily over the skin.
Good Patient Compliance: Comfortable to use, especially non-greasy O/W
types.
Hydrating: Helps maintain skin moisture.
Versatile: Can be used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
Cooling Effect: O/W creams often have a cooling sensation.
Disadvantages of Creams
Shorter Residence Time: May need frequent reapplication (especially O/W
creams).
Not Suitable for Very Dry Conditions: O/W creams can evaporate quickly and
may not lock moisture effectively.
Potential for Skin Reactions: Some ingredients may cause allergies or
irritation.
Storage Issues: Creams can separate (emulsion breakage) if not stored
properly.
Contamination Risk: Open jars can lead to microbial contamination if not
handled carefully.
References
1. Allen, L.V. Jr., Popovich, N.G., Ansel, H.C. – Ansel’s Pharmaceutical
Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, 9th Edition, Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.
2. Aulton, M.E. – Aulton’s Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of
Medicines, 4th Edition, Elsevier.
3. British Pharmacopoeia Commission – British Pharmacopoeia.
4. Remington – The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 22 nd Edition.
5. Williams, A.C. – Transdermal and Topical Drug Delivery: From Theory to
Clinical Practice.
Sulfur Cream (Extemporaneous Preparation)
Recipe (Formula):
(This gives you a 10% sulfur cream.)
Procedure:
1. Weigh 5 g of precipitated sulfur accurately.
2. Triturate (grind) the sulfur to a very fine powder.
3. Mix sulfur with a small portion of white soft paraffin to make a smooth
paste.
4. Gradually incorporate the remaining white soft paraffin into the paste.
5. Add liquid paraffin slowly to adjust the consistency of the cream.
6. Mix thoroughly to get a smooth, uniform cream.
Use:
Treatment of acne, seborrheic dermatitis, scabies, and other skin infections.
Acts as keratolytic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Role of Ingredients:
Special Instructions:
Do not apply to broken or inflamed skin without doctor’s advice.
Test on a small area first (sulfur can cause irritation for sensitive skin).
Store in a cool, dry place (below 25°C), away from direct sunlight.
Use a clean spatula each time to prevent contamination.
Expiry (Beyond Use Date – BUD):
28 days (1 month) from the date of preparation, if stored properly.
Labeling Information:
External Use Only
Apply thinly to affected area as directed by your physician.
Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
Shake/Stir before use (if applicable depending on cream consistency).
Store below 25°C.
Discard after: [insert expiry date]