Formulation and In-vitro Evaluation of Cold Cream

Faizan Khan J. K*, Tushar S, Tayade, Gopinath P. Kavhale, Reshma R. Khatle, Nasir S. Shaikh, Dr. R.D Ingole

Department of Pharmacology, DJPS College of Pharmacy, Pathri Dist. Parbhani, Maharashtra, India

*Correspondence: naaseerpharmacology@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4615

 INTRODUCTION

Cosmetics are products primarily used to enhance or purify the appearance of the skin. The term "cosmetic" is derived from the Greek word "kosmētikos," which means "to adorn." Since ancient times, substances used to enhance appearance or beautify the skin have been referred to as cosmetics. Even today, herbal cosmetics remain popular due to their natural ingredients and perceived safety among various cosmetic formulations, cold creams are widely used. Compared to other semisolid dosage forms, cold creams offer prolonged contact time at the site of application, which enhances their effectiveness. This makes them particularly suitable for deep moisturization and skin protection. Cold cream provides emollient properties due to its oil phase, which helps to soften and smooth the skin. Additionally, cold cream assists in removing impurities from skin pores and contributes to a cooling effect on the body.

Cold creams are typically non-irritating and easily washable with water, making them suitable for regular use. The water phase in the formulation offers added hydration and protection to the skin. Upon application, cold cream liquefies at body temperature, allowing it to penetrate the skin through the natural pores of the epidermis, thereby enhancing its moisturizing and protective effects.

Advantages of cold cream

Better skin quality, easy to apply, it moisturizes and hydrates the skin, removes dirt and impurities, provides refreshing and cooling sensation. It is suitable to all skin types including sensitive skin. It helps to shield skin from environmental barriers.

Uses of cold cream: -

It is used as a make up remover. Provides deep hydration, specially in water or dry climates. It can be used as night cream. Also used as cleansing purposes, soothes and irritated skin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The borax were given by LABLINE , fine chem, beeswax, liquid paraffin, Methyl paraben, Oud perfume, this excipient from Labline stocks Mumbai.

METHODOLOGY

Firstly heat the liquid paraffin in borosilicate glass and add compatible quantity of beeswax at 75 C. Add borax to water and heat it. Combine both mixture borax water and beeswax solution continuously stir it. Oil phase: beeswax and liquid paraffin are melted in china    dish using water bath. Aqueous phase:- borax is heated in distilled water. Cooled the mixture to room temperature. Adding perfume (Oud) 1-2 drops can be added.

Table 1:- Formulation table for Cream

Evaluation Tests:-

Organoleptic characteristics: -

Colour: Colour for the formulations was determined based on the texture they provided after the final product was developed.

Odour: Choosing the Fragrance for the Formulation the scent of the formulation was chosen based on its aroma after being smelled. Alternatively, the formulation's fragrance was determined by sniffing it.

 pH Determination: The pH of cold cream was determined using pH meter. The most accurate common means of measuring pH is through a lab device called a probe and meter, or simply a pH meter.The meter is a voltmeter, measures the electronic impedance in the glass electrode and displays pH units instead of volts.The probe consists of a glass electrode through which a small voltage is passed. Measurement is made by submerging the probe in the semisolid until a reading is registered by the meter.

Spreadibility: The spreadability test for cold cream is used to evaluate how easily the cream spreads on the skin. It is important quality control measure to ensure smooth application. The spread ability was expressed in terms of time in seconds taken by two slides to slip off from the cream, placed in between the slides, under certain load. Lesser the time taken for separation of the two slides better the spread ability. Two sets of glass slides of standard dimension were taken. Then one slide of suitable dimension was taken and the cream formulation was placed on that slide.                                                 

Spread ability = m × l/t

 Where, M = Standard weight which is tied to or placed over the upper slide

 L = length of a glass slide

 T = time taken in seconds.

Viscosity: The viscosity test for cold cream evaluates the resistance to flow, which reflects its consistency and stability. Viscosity of cream was done by using Brookfield Viscometer at a temperature of 25 ℃using spindle No. 63 at 2.5 RPM. A stable, moderate viscosity indicates good formulation neither too runny nor too stiff. Very high viscosity may affect spreadability, too low may cause phase separation.

Homogeneity:  Homogeneity of the formulated cream is tested by visual appearance and by touch.After feel emolliency, slipperiness and amount of residue left after the application of fixed amount of cream is checked. After application of cream, the type of film or smear formed on the skin were checked.The ease of removal of the cream applied was examined by washing the applied part with tap water.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Colour: The colour appearance of the formulated cream was tested, and it was found to be  light creamy white.

Odour: The odour of all formulated cream was recorded, and is was found to be pleasant in smell.

pH determination: Due to variation in addition of ingredient quantity in all formulations the pH value of cream appear to be in distinct result but the common range for all formulation should be in 4 to 6.

Spreadiability: The spreadibility results reveal that the formulated cream is easily spreadable with a little amount of shear. The F1 spreadability was 10 cm/s, showing that the cream was effective. 

Viscosity: The viscosity of cream was determined by using a Brookfield viscometer with a L-Bar spindle in combination with a helipath stand Spindle L4 was used for the measurement of viscosity of all the Cream. The viscosity was measured using 20 gm of cream filled in a 100ml beaker.

Homogeneity: The homogeneity of formulated cream was tested by visual appearance and by touch. After feel emolliency and amount residue left after the application of fixed amount of cream is checked. After application of cream, the type of film formed on skin were checked. And it was found to be compitable for skin as expected

Table2: Evaluation Parameters of Formulated Cold Cream

CONCLUSION

The present study successfully demonstrated the formulation and in-vitro evaluation of a cold cream using traditional excipients and oud as a natural aromatic component. All three formulations (F1, F2, F3) showed satisfactory physicochemical properties including optimal pH (within skin-compatible range of 4–6), smooth spreadability, desirable viscosity, and pleasant odour. The creams were homogeneous, free from phase separation, and showed no microbial contamination, indicating good stability and safety. Among all formulations, F1 exhibited the best spreadability, suggesting ease of application and user acceptability. The incorporation of oud not only enhanced the sensory appeal but also supports the use of traditional ingredients in modern cosmetic preparations. Thus, the formulated cold cream can be considered effective, stable, and suitable for topical cosmetic application.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There is no conflict of interest

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