Abstract

REVIEW ON COSMETIC AND PHARMACEUTICAL FOAMS

M. Vamshi Krishna*, Dr. P. Satyanarayana Rao, B. Srinivas, P. Ravikumar and M. Ataurrahman Ameen

ABSTRACT

The skin covers the entire human body and plays a vital role in synthesising vitamin D, regulating the body temperature, and protecting the body from external factors such as infectious agents, water loss, chemical and toxic contaminants. Foam drug delivery system is novel alternative for creams and ointments. Cosmetic and dermatological foam preparation requires at least one gas or propellant by discharging the preparation from a pressurized gas canister. Generally these formulations are easier to apply, less dense, and spread more easily than other topical dosage forms. Foams can be produced mechanically by dispersion of gas phase into the liquid with shaking, but lifetime of foam or stability of foam is short and it can be deal with incorporation of foaming agent to the formulation. Cosmetic foams are formulated in several ways to provide emollient or drying functions to the skin. Therefore, this delivery technology should be a valuable addition to the spectrum of formulations available for topical usage; however, as yet, only a few are commercially available.

Keywords: Topical foam, cosmetic and pharmaceutical dosage form.