Quality by design enabled the development of stable and effective oil-in-water emulsions at compounding pharmacy: the case of a sunscreen formulation

Pharm Dev Technol. 2021 Dec;26(10):1090-1101. doi: 10.1080/10837450.2021.1990946. Epub 2021 Oct 18.

Abstract

It is widely accepted that the use of topical sunscreens has medical importance with potential to prevent skin damage by protecting from solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) effects. Pharmaceutical emulsions require an optimal qualitative and quantitative combination of emollients, emulsifiers and others compounds such as softening agents and, for sunscreens, a combination of chemical and physical UV filters. Herein, we applied the quality by design (QbD) concept to achieve stable and effective compounded sunscreen emulsions. By using the statistical tool of design of experiments, it was possible to identify the influence of emulsifier type (with low and high Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance) and concentrations of emollient and softening agent on the achievement of formulations with suitable organoleptic and physicochemical features. Compounded emulsions with pleasant macroscopic aspects were obtained. Three formulations with physicochemical properties in targeted ranges were selected, namely pH ∼6.0, conductivity > 0.0 µS/cm2, spreadability factor ∼1-1.5 g/mm2, viscosity ∼12000 mPa.s and sunscreen protection factor ∼30. Freeze-thaw cycle and accelerated stability study under different storage conditions allowed selecting a stable emulsion that ensured photoprotection in biological assays. The QbD approach was essential to select the best, low-cost compounded sunscreen emulsion, with targeted physicochemical parameters.

Keywords: Emulsification; compounded sunscreen emulsion; emulsifier Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance; photoprotection.

MeSH terms

  • Emulsions
  • Pharmacy*
  • Sunscreening Agents*
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Water

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Sunscreening Agents
  • Water