Development and efficacy studies of palm oil containing aqueous cream

Moisturisers are most commonly used in patients with eczema and dry skin as it helps to sustain the skin integrity and hydration. The moisturiser preferred is aqueous cream where the oil phase increases occlusion and water phase provides moisture and allows skin flexibility. In this study, aqueous creams containing palm oil is expected to improve the skin hydration due to high amount of tocopherol and tocotrienol. Formulations containing palm oil and liquid paraffin were produced and physically characterized using LumiFuge (Stability), Mastersizer (Particle size), texture analysis and pH meter. Efficacy studies were conducted using Comeometer (Capacitance) and Tewameter (TEWL) which were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistical software to determine the significant difference between the various formulations. The creams were also compared to commercial aqueous creams. The results have shown that, aqueous creams containing 13% and 12% palm oil gave significantly higher hydration compared to CCM aqueous cream. Aqueous cream containing 10% palm oil however, showed significant reduction in TEWL compared to aqueous cream from CCM.