IN SILICO INVESTIGATION, FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NON-AEROSOL BASED ANTI PERSPIRANT FOAM FOR SCALP

Scalp hyperhidrosis is a challenging condition for topical pharmaceutical delivery because the hair-bearing scalp may limit direct contact of conventional liquid formulations with the skin surface and eccrine sweat-duct openings. The present study was designed to investigate, formulate and evaluate a non-aerosol antiperspirant foam containing aluminium chloride hexahydrate for scalp-oriented topical application. Traditional aerosol formulations demands the usage of propellents and specialized container. The scientific rationale of the formulation was supported by an exploratory in silico investigation and preliminary drug–excipient compatibility considerations. Aluminium chloride hexahydrate was selected as the antiperspirant active because aluminium-containing species are associated with temporary obstruction of the distal eccrine sweat pathway. The proposed formulation system included Poloxamer 407 as a formulation and rheology variable, Cocamidopropyl Betaine as part of the foam-generating surfactant system, propylene glycol and glycerin as formulation modifiers, phenoxyethanol as a preservative component and purified water as the vehicle. Trial batches were formulated with intentions to compare for physical appearance, pH, viscosity or rheological behaviour, foamability, foam stability, drainage, density, spreadability, application characteristics, content consistency and stability. The study provides a formulation-development framework for a localized foam dosage form intended for a difficult hair-bearing site.