The effects of surfactants on the permeation of caffeine cream using franz diffusion cell / Mastura Omar

Caffeine is commonly used as a model of hydrophilic drug because of its ability to permeate through the skin. It is also used as an active compound in many commercial preparations such as anti-cellulite cream, gels, moisturizers, serums and shampoos. However, the stratum corneum which is the hydrophobic layer of the epidermis of skin is the main protective barrier for to the caffeine to pass through the skin. The aim of this study was to investigate the caffeine cream permeation profile with or without co-administration of surfactants including Cremophor EL, Labrasol, Labrafil through the synthetic membrane and rat skin by using Franz diffusion cell. The cumulative permeation amount of caffeine cream with presence of surfactants (Cremophor EL, Labrasol, Labrafil) showed higher permeation rate compared to caffeine cream (control). Among surfactants used, the presence of Labrasol in caffeine cream significantly (p<0.05) increased the caffeine permeation through synthetic membrane and rat skin. The use of Labrasol in the caffeine cream formulation has the potential to increase the permeation rate through transdermal delivery, thus, increase its therapeutic effects.