Development of refined palm oil and palm oil constituents based aqueous cream

Aqueous creams are commonly used as emollients or moisturiser for people with dry skin conditions as it can rehydrates the skin and works as protection for the skin. Eczema usually caused by the dehydration of the skin and based on Eczema Society Malaysia, 2 in 10 people in Malaysia are suffering eczema and approximately 10-14% children under the age of fourteen were found to have eczema (Eczema Malaysia Society, 2007). The dryness of the skin will cause irritation such itching and rashes, which will cause the skin to be painful and sore. In this study, aqueous cream is formulated using refined palm oil and palm oil constituents to explore on the usage of palm oil and study on aqueous cream with natural ingredients. Palm oil contains carotenoids, tocopherols and tocotrienols, which act as antioxidant as well as anticancer. Four formulations have been developed and the physical characteristics are evaluated using Lumifuge, Mastersizer 2000, T A.XT Analyzer and pH meter. The formulations stability at 4°C, 25°C and 40°C was also conducted for 75 days. Physical changes were noted. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significant difference between the results obtained for the different aqueous cream formulations. The results show that the aqueous cream C has the least particle size and does not show much difference in the pH meter reading between day 1 and day 75. There is not much of difference in terms of the physical changes as the particle size on day 1 is 42.548 and 43.360 on day 75. Palm oil constituents show high stability but further study on human skin should be done to determine the effectiveness of the formulations