Topical corticosteroid formulations and water balance in the stratum corneum

Abstract

New formulations of topical corticosteroids are developed to provide therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. The proper choice of the vehicle is important because the moisturizing effect of a topical formulation may increase the drug bioavailability and improve the skin barrier function. The effect was studied of eight proprietary corticosteroid formulations on the capacitance and water loss of skin with moderate xerosis. A transient hydration of the stratum corneum was perceptible for 2–4 h after application of some formulations, allowing a ranking of the vehicles according to the cumulative value of capacitance. It is concluded that the range in the changes in the physico-chemical properties of the stratum corneum induced by steroid vehicles is wide. Bioavailability of the drugs and clinical efficacy are likely to be influenced by these differences.