Purpose: This study was designed to formulate and evaluate the anti-sebum secretion effects of a topical skin-care cream (w/o emulsion) of sea buckthorn versus its vehicle (Base) as control.
Materials and methods: Concentrated sea buckthorn (H.rhamnoides) fruit extract was entrapped in the inner aqueous phase of w/o emulsion. Base containing no extract and a Formulation containing 1% concentrated extract of H.rhamnoides was formulated. Lemon oil was incorporated to the odor. Both the Base and the Formulation were stored at different storage conditions for a period of 4 weeks to predict their stability. Different stability parameters i.e.; physical stability, centrifugation, and pH were monitored at different time intervals. Both the Base and the Formulation were applied to the cheeks of 10 healthy human volunteers (n=10) for a period of 8 weeks.
Result: The expected organoleptic stability of creams was achieved from 4 weeks in-vitro study period. Odor disappeared with the passage of time due to volatilization of lemon oil. The pH of the Formulation showed significant (P = 0.0002) decline due to high concentration of organic acids present in sea buckthorn. Similarly the Formulation showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) effects on skin sebum secretion.
Conclusion: The in vitro results showed a good stability over 4 weeks of observation period of both the Base and Formulation and the Formulation has anti sebum secretion effects over 8 weeks of observation period.
Keywords: Acne; Hippophae rhamnoides; emulsion; sebum.