Topical dosage forms APIs and Excipients

Methylcellulose

gelling agent (forms stable clear gels), lubricant (artificial saliva)

Carmellose sodium (sodium CMC)

gelling agent & viscosity enhancer

Hypromellose (HPMC)

forms exceptionally clear gels for ophthalmic use

Polyvinyl alcohol

film-forming gelling agent (strong flexible film)

Glycerol (glycerin)

humectant (retains moisture & reduces water loss)

Propylene glycol

humectant (retains moisture)

Xylitol

increases saliva production & prevents tooth decay

Calcium/Fluoride salts

strengthen teeth & gums

Diclofenac

NSAID (anti-inflammatory & analgesic)

Zinc oxide

protective agent & skin barrier (diaper rash prevention)

Olive oil

emollient (softens skin)

Coal tar

keratoplastic (used in psoriasis)

Salicylic acid

keratolytic (treats psoriasis

Starch

absorbent (absorbs exudates)

Soft paraffin

emollient base (occlusive)

Liquid paraffin

emollient & vehicle

Hard paraffin

stiffening agent (gives structure)

Emulsifying wax

emulsifier (forms stable emulsions)

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

water-soluble base

Kaolin

absorbent (used in poultices)

Boric acid

antibacterial (infection treatment)

Activated charcoal

adsorbent (draws toxins/infection)

Linseed

soothing & anti-inflammatory

Benzoic acid

keratolytic

Tocopherol

antioxidant (prevents oxidation)

Carbopol 934

gelling agent

Triethanolamine

neutralizing agent (forms gel structure)

Camphor

local anesthetic

Menthol

analgesic (cooling effect)

Ethyl alcohol

solvent (for menthol & camphor)

Dibucaine

local anesthetic

Jojoba oil

emollient

Span 60

emulsifier (lipophilic)

Tween 60

emulsifier (hydrophilic)

Beeswax

stiffening agent (gives body to cream)

Mineral oil

emollient (softens skin)

Borax

emulsifier (forms soap with fatty acids)

Lanolin

emollient & emulsifying agent

Stearic acid

oil phase component (thickener)

Sodium hydroxide

saponifying agent (emulsifier formation)

Potassium hydroxide

saponifying agent

Calamine

UV scattering agent (sunscreen)

Dexpanthenol

moisturizer & skin healing agent (provitamin B5)