Influence of Base Type on the Physical Stability of Dermatological Preparations with Vitamins A and C

Katarzyna Wojciechowska; Natalia Jopek

doi:10.56782/pps.659

Published : 2025-11-22

No. 2025 (Early Access)

Influence of Base Type on the Physical Stability of Dermatological Preparations with Vitamins A and C

Katarzyna Wojciechowska

Natalia Jopek

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.659

Abstract

The formulation base plays a critical role in the physicochemical stability and therapeutic efficacy of dermatological creams. Vitamins A and C are widely used in skincare due to their anti-aging and antioxidant properties, yet they are chemically unstable and highly sensitive to environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic cream bases on the physical stability and rheological behavior of formulations containing selected forms of vitamin A (retinol, retinyl palmitate, solubilized form of retinyl palmitate) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Methods: Creams were prepared using four bases: two traditional (Lekobaza, Eucerin) and two modern dermocosmetic bases (Versatile, Emolivan). Physical stability parameters including centrifuge test, spreadability, droplet size in optical microscopy, and rheological properties were assessed at days 1, 7, 14, and 30. Droplet size changes were analyzed statistically using the Friedman test and Kendall’s W. Results: Creams formulated on Lekobaza and Eucerin maintained stability throughout 30 days. Versatile formulations showed good short-term stability (up to 14 days), but decreased viscosity and signs of destabilization by day 30. Emolivan was stable for retinol and solubilized vitamin A but showed rheological anomalies when combined with retinyl palmitate or ascorbic acid. Rheological analysis confirmed pseudoplastic flow behavior and time-dependent viscosity changes, particularly in Versatile and Emolivan systems. Conclusion: The choice of formulation base significantly affects the physical stability and usability of creams containing unstable vitamins. Traditional pharmaceutical bases provided superior long-term stability, while modern cosmetic bases may require formulation adjustments to maintain vitamin integrity.

Keywords:

vitamin A, vitamin C, cream formulation, dermocosmetic base, physicochemical stability

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Wojciechowska, K., & Jopek, N. (2025). Influence of Base Type on the Physical Stability of Dermatological Preparations with Vitamins A and C. Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences, (2025 (Early Access). https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.659

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Katarzyna Wojciechowska

katarzyna.wojciechowska@umlub.edu.pl

Affiliation:

a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:31:"Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie";} Poland