Optimization of Formula Using D-Optimal Design Method and Stability Testing of Ascorbic Acid Transferosomes Gel

Ascorbic acid is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in cosmetics with antioxidant activity and is used in dermatological practice as a preventive measure against photo-ageing and hyperpigmentation. The development of transferosomes in topical gel preparations may facilitate its application and have potential as nano-cosmeceuticals. This study aims to develop ascorbic acid transferosome formulations using the vortex sonification method to meet the characterization requirements to obtain a stable ascorbic acid transferosome gel preparation based on the optimum formula from the optimization results of Carbopol 940 and propylene glycol using the D-optimal design method. The results showed the characterization of ascorbic acid transferosomes with a particle size of 152.2 nm, a poly-dispersity index value of 0.571, and a zeta potential of -36.50 mV. The optimum formulation produced a Carbopol 940 concentration of 0.8% and a propylene glycol concentration of 3.7% with a desirability value of 1. The stability results with the cycling test method produced a relatively stable gel preparation.