Abstract
Consumers of topical formulations apply a wide spectrum of preparations, both cosmetic and dermatological, to their healthy or diseased skin. These formulations range in physicochemical nature from solid through semisolid to liquid.
Pharmaceutical foams are pressurized dosage forms containing one or more active ingredients that, upon valve actuation, emit a fine dispersion of liquid and/or solid materials in a gaseous medium. Foam formulations are generally easier to apply, are less dense, and spread more easily than other topical dosage forms. Foams may be formulated in various ways to provide emollient or drying functions to the skin, depending on the formulation constituents. Therefore, this delivery technology should be a useful addition to the spectrum of formulations available for topical use; however, as yet, only a few are commercially available. Probably the most convincing argument for the use of foams is ease of use by the patient, and consumer acceptance. Most foam dosage forms used in dermatology to date have incorporated corticosteroids, although some products have also been used to deliver antiseptics, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetic agents, skin emollients, and protectants.
Although there is no clinical evidence that foam formulations are currently superior to other conventional delivery vehicles, these formulations have a clear application advantage and with continued developments in the science of supersaturation technology, it seems certain that foam delivery systems will retain their place in the dermatological and cosmetic armamentarium.
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Purdon, C.H., Haigh, J.M., Surber, C. et al. Foam Drug Delivery in Dermatology. Am J Drug Deliv 1, 71–75 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2165/00137696-200301010-00006
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00137696-200301010-00006