Towards Alkyl Polyglucoside-stabilized formulations: Influence of some common excipients

Abstract

When formulating topical drugs, research and development departments usually create preparations containing only essential components, while the cosmetic industry formulates more complex vehicles. This chapter reviews Alkyl Polyglucoside-related studies on the formulation of topical preparations. Some APG surfactants form liquid crystalline phases, and other excipients may become components of these mesophases, affecting self-assembly processes prior to liquid crystalline phase formation. Co-stabilization of APG-based systems with lipophilic and hydrophilic stabilizers has been attempted. Some novel APG co-surfactants have also been introduced. Oils of different polarity have been investigated, either as the single component of the oil phase or in complex mixtures. Finally, since many entities intended for topical application are poorly water-soluble, suitable co-solvents, preferably also acting as penetration enhancers, are discussed in detail.