What are the types of creams used in pharmacy? 

In this article we will see different types of creams in Pharmacy, before this we will discuss about creams. Creams are semi-solid preparation, cream comes in emulsion. Creams are used for external preparations only. In some cases, creams are applied on the vagina which can be used internally, 

Types of creams:

According to factors, creams can be diversly classified.

1. Type of emulsion used.
2. Creams where it is used.

Based on emulsion:

1. W/O
2. O/W

According to the application and use:

1. Gentle cleansing
2. Moisturization
3. Cold cream
4. Vanishing cream
5. Foundation

 a. W/O ( Oily preparation) :

Oily creams consist of water in an oil emulsion. In the water-in-oil type of cream, the base is based on oil which can also be said as water-soluble.

b. O/W ( Aqueous preparation) : 

i. Vanishing cream 

ii. Foundation creams 

iii. Hand creams 

iv. Day and Night creams

c. Hand and body cream:

Hand and body cream has the application of providing moisture to the hand and body. For dry and chapped skin it can be used. Sometimes it can be useful  There are many other products which are available in the market for body and hand moisturising. They are easy to apply. 

d. Vanishing Cream:

Base of the vanishing cream is water soluble. By applying it on the surface of the skin they spread thin oilless film. It helps oil vanish away, that’s why it is called a vanishing cream. They are also used for adhesion of powder. The properties of vanishing cream should have a high melting point, white in color, very little odor, and have less iodine. Mostly stearic acid is the main ingredient used. The presence of borax can appear white. 

Procedure: The first step is to dissolve stearic acid in a water bath using mortar (oil phase) , later dissolve KOH in water again in the water bath, and after that add glycerin to the solution to form an aqueous phase. To that aqueous phase add the oil phase, and mix continuously until white cream is formed

e. Foundation cream: 

Foundation cream is the emollient base that is used to base or foundation the skin. The purpose of the foundation is to make a base to hold makeup. In foundation cream ingredients are the same as it was in vanishing cream. Foundation in solid format can be termed as compact powder.

f. Night cream: 

Night cream is the preparations that are applied during the night and removed in the morning, where you’ll get overnight benefits. 

g.  Massage Creams: 

The preparation is used as a base for massage on the stratum corneum. Massage can cause dryness to the skin but it can increase circulation. These dreams are formulated in fatty substances. 

h. All purpose and nourishing cream:

These creams are useful for people who do outdoor activities, this is the reason it is called sport cramps. Generally, they are oily in nature which is non-greasy. It also acts as a film to protect the skin. When the cream is applied in more quantity it can be used as a nourishing cream, Night cream, Cleansing cream, or Protective cream with the intention of protecting skin from sunburn. Wool alcohol, soft and liquid paraffin.

i. Cold cream:

It can be also used as a purpose cream. Cold cream can be a reason to clog pores. There are chances that it feels heavy on the skin, and certain ingredients such as fragrance can trigger it. It gives a cleaning effect. Procedure to prepare cold cream: Keep melted cetyl ester, White wax, and Mineral oil in a water bath until the mixture reaches 70 Cº Later dissolve sodium borate in purified water and heat to 70 Cº in a separate beaker then gradually add aqueous solution to the mixture of oily phase with continuous stirring until congeal and cooled. Used as an emollient and cleansing cream. Creams can be used for wound healing too, which are easy to apply and remove. The aqueous phase of cream is more prone to cause microbial infection. 

f. Emollient cream:  

Emollient cream gives nourishment to the skin which helps to prevent dryness. It brings immediate comfort and softness. Which can relieve itchiness and softness. To help your skin feel more comfortable if you have eczema, dry, psoriasis, or sensitive skin. They form a film on your skin’s outer layer that’s why it is also called barrier creams. Properties of Emollient Cream:

• Attract nourishment to the skin.
• Locks moisture in your skin. 
• It softens peeling skin
• Different types of emollients:

h) Occlusives:

Occlusives form a thick and greasy coating on your skin. 

Advantages of creams:

• It is very convenient and easy to apply.
• After the application of the cream, it doesn’t leave any evidence of the application of the cream.
• It gives a soothing texture to the skin. First metabolism is avoided by cream.
• It is mainly applied topically which is easy to apply without anyone’s assistance. 
• Creams are more stable than emulsions because there are fewer chances of creaming and phase inversion in cream than in emulsion.
• Medicated creams can be used to reduce under-eye darkness. It also helps individuals to reduce marks. Sometimes acne can be reduced.

Disadvantages of creams: 

• Stability of the cream is not good as an ointment.
• Crams are less hydrophobic than other semisolid preparations, which is the reason it has a high risk of contamination.
• Due to the presence of drugs/ excipients can cause skin irritation.
• It can cause an allergic reaction. It can be only used for drugs that require very small plasma concentration for action.
• Due to improper use eczema can cause.
• Hyperpigmentation can occur. For acne-prone skin, pimples can be developed.
• Creams contain emulsifiers and preservatives which can cause allergies to some individuals. 

Cream base:

The cream base should be:

1. It should not cause irritation to the skin.
2. It should not feel greasy
3. It should not promote any microbial contamination.
4. It should be physically and chemically stable, and compatible with skin so it does not show any harmful effects.
5. Creams may contain antimicrobial content to prevent microbial growth. 

Humectant: 

It is a compound which absorbs or retains moisture. It is a hygroscopic compound. 

Packaging and labelling on creams:

Creams are packaged according to the types of creams in the pharmacy, Creams should be packed in a suitable container, with fitted closures. Necessary indications and the presence of any ingredient should be provided. If it can trigger an allergic reaction then it should be mentioned. The use of the cream is also mentioned in some packages. Indication such as storage is also should put on packaging.

References:

Creams – Pharmaceutical (pharmacy180.com)

Pharmaceutical creams….. | PPT (slideshare.net)

Creams Pharmaceutics Notes: The Ultimate Guide (pharmacyinfoline.com)

Pharmaceutical Creams and their use in wound healing: A Review | Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics (jddtonline.info)