1Research Scholar, Department of Pharmacology, Delight College of Pharmacy, Koregaon Bhima, Pune, Maharashtra, India-412216.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Delight College of Pharmacy, Koregaon Bhima, Pune, Maharashtra, India-412216
The objective of this study was to formulate and evaluate a stable and effective cold cream intended for topical application to moisturize and protect the skin. Cold creams are oil-in-water emulsions commonly used for their emollient properties, especially in dry and cold climates. In this formulation, ingredients such as beeswax, mineral oil, borax, and water were used to prepare the emulsion using the fusion method. The prepared cold cream was subjected to various evaluation parameters, including pH, spreadability, stability, viscosity, and skin irritation tests, to assess its safety and effectiveness. The results demonstrated that the formulation possessed acceptable physicochemical characteristics, with a smooth texture, stable emulsion, and no signs of phase separation or microbial growth over a specified observation period. The pH was found to be within the skin-compatible range (5.5–6.5), and the cream showed good spreadability and no skin irritation upon application. The study concludes that the formulated cold cream is safe, stable, and suitable for cosmetic use, providing effective moisturization and skin protection.
Cold creams are semi-solid oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions widely used in cosmetic and dermatological formulations due to their moisturizing, cleansing, and protective properties. Traditionally composed of fats, waxes, and water, cold creams serve as emollients that hydrate the skin by preventing transepidermal water loss, particularly in cold or dry environments (Pillai et al., 2010). Their application is especially beneficial in restoring the lipid barrier function of the skin, making them popular in personal care and therapeutic formulations. The formulation of an effective cold cream involves the careful selection of excipients such as emulsifying agents (e.g., borax), emollients (e.g., mineral oil, lanolin), and stabilizers to ensure product consistency, stability, and efficacy. The quality and performance of a topical cream depend significantly on physicochemical parameters like pH, viscosity, spreadability, and microbial stability, all of which influence user acceptability and safety (Barel et al., 2014). With increasing consumer preference for multifunctional and dermatologically safe cosmetics, it is essential to evaluate the formulated product not only for its aesthetic properties but also for its therapeutic potential and skin compatibility. Thus, this study aims to develop a stable cold cream formulation using the fusion method and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and dermatological safety.
Profile of Formulation Ingredients4:
Experimental Work:
A) Diclofenac Sodium Gel:
1. Materials Required
Ingredient |
Quantity For 100 g |
Quantity for 25 g |
Role |
Liquid Paraffin |
50 g |
12.5g |
Emollient and moisturizer |
Beeswax |
16 g |
4g |
Thickening agent |
Borax |
0.8g |
0.2g |
Emulsifying agent |
Methyl Parabean |
0.18g |
0.045g |
Preservative |
Propyl Parabean |
0.02g |
0.005g |
Antimicrobial activity |
Rose Water |
q.s |
q.s |
Fragrance |
Purified water |
33g |
8.25g |
Aqueous phase |
2. Method of Preparation (Fusion Method)
3. Evaluation Parameters
a. Physical Appearance
b. pH Measuremen
Fig No – 1 (pH meter)
c. Spreadability
Fig No – 2 (Spreadability Apparatus)
d. Viscosity
Fig No – 3 (Brookfield Viscometer)
e. Stability Test
f. Skin Irritation Test
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
(Sample Format)
Parameter |
Observation/Result |
Appearance |
Smooth, white, semi-solid cream; no lumps |
Odor |
Pleasant fragrance; no foul smell |
pH |
6.5 (within the skin-friendly range of 5–7) |
Spreadability |
Good; spreads easily on the skin |
Viscosity |
Moderately high (49000). |
Washability |
Easily washable with water |
Stability Test |
No phase separation, discoloration, or odor change after 21 days at room temperature and elevated temperature (40°C) |
Skin Irritation Test |
No irritation or redness observed after application on a small area of skin |
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
SUMMARY:
Cold cream is a type of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion widely used in cosmetics for its moisturizing, cleansing, and soothing properties. It primarily serves to hydrate the skin, protect against dryness, and improve skin texture. The formulation of cold cream involves both an oil phase and an aqueous phase. Key ingredients typically include beeswax, which acts as a natural emulsifying and consistency-enhancing agent; liquid paraffin and mineral oil, which function as emollients to soften and smoothen the skin; and borax (sodium borate), which reacts with fatty acids in beeswax to stabilize the emulsion. Water forms the base of the aqueous phase, providing hydration, while fragrances and preservatives are added to enhance the sensory appeal and prolong shelf life.
CONCLUSION:
The formulation and evaluation of cold cream demonstrate the importance of selecting appropriate ingredients and following a controlled preparation method to produce a stable, effective, and skin-friendly product. The use of emulsifying agents like beeswax and borax ensures the formation of a stable oil-in-water emulsion, while emollients such as mineral oil and liquid paraffin provide moisturizing benefits. The evaluation parameters—including pH, spreadability, viscosity, appearance, and stability—confirm the product’s suitability for topical application. Overall, the developed cold cream exhibits desirable cosmetic properties and meets the essential criteria for quality, safety, and user acceptability, making it a viable product for skin care use.
FUTURE SCOPE:
REFERENCE
Tushar Wadghule*, Dr. Mahadev Formulation and Evalution of Cold Cream, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (6), 01-05. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15565435