Influences of the vehicle in the spreading and release of betamethasone.

AIM: We compared the performances of two different commercial products both based on betamethasone and an antibiotic but using different pharmaceutical vehicles: a polymer and lipid-enriched cream and a conventional oil-in-water emulsion.

METHODOLOGY: Evaluation was conducted on a reconstructed human epidermis model. Moreover, skin barrier properties and cutaneous hydration of the two vehicles were evaluated on 20 human healthy volunteers.

RESULTS: Overall, the polymer and lipid-enriched formulation works as a film-forming product that retains the therapeutic agent for a long time, ensuring its penetration and absorption through the skin, and promoting skin hydration.

CONCLUSION: The above characteristics are useful in the clinical setting, especially in the context of eczematous diseases with a strong xerotic component.