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.