Influence of Ethanol as a Preservative in Topical Formulation on the Dermal Penetration Efficacy of Active Compounds in Healthy and Barrier-Disrupted Skin.

ABSTRACT: (1) Background: Ethanol is a multifunctional excipient often used as a preservative in topical formulations. Due to its known ability to impair skin barrier function, this study investigated the effect of ethanol (EtOH) as a preservative in creams on the dermal penetration of active compounds. (2) Methods: A hydrophilic and a lipophilic fluorescent dye were used as active ingredient surrogates that were incorporated into creams with and without ethanol. The dermal penetration efficacy was assessed by epifluorescence microscopy on an ex vivo porcine ear model with intact and irritated skin. (3) Results: Ethanol reduced the dermal penetration by about 40% for the hydrophilic and about 20% for the lipophilic surrogates on intact skin, but had minimal impact on irritated skin. The bio-physical

SUBMITTER: Raab C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11858868 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature