The technology and quality evaluation of low pH value gel for acne

The aim of the research: to produce and evaluate the quality of low pH value gels for acne made with 1,0 % of glycolic acid and new generation polymer – Carbopol® Ultrez 30. The objectives of research: to prepare compositions according to scientific literature and produce low pH value gels for acne using 1,0 % of glycolic acid and Carbopol® Ultrez 30 polymer. To evaluate physical stability of produced gels by conducting a centrifugation, freeze – thaw tests and sensory analysis, pH value and viscosity measurements. To determine and asses the influence of gel composition for textural properties and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of gels by conducting a microbiological testing. The object and methods of research: low pH value gels for acne made with 1,0 % of glycolic acid and Carbopol® Ultrez 30 polymer. Compositions of gels were created based on analysis of scientific literature and the physical stability of gels were evaluated by: centrifugation, freeze – thaw tests, sensory analysis, pH value and viscosity measurements. A texture analyzer was used to determine the mechanical properties of gels and helped to evaluate the influence of gel composition for textural properties. The microbiological testing were used to determine and evaluate antimicrobial activity of produced gels. Results and conclusions: 17 low pH value gels for acne were produced using different concentrations of Carbopol® Ultrez 30 polymer (1,0, 1,5, 2,0 %), 1,0 % of glycolic acid and excipients (xanthan gum). Centrifugation, freeze – thaw, pH value, viscosity tests and sensory analysis results showed that addition of xanthan gum remarkably increased the stability of gels while in compositions without xanthan gum the stability increased when higher amount of polymer were added (1,0 4,5 > 5,0). Practical recommendations: in order to produce gels that are stable, viscous and have acceptable sensory properties it is recommended to use Carbopol® Ultrez 30 polymer and add xanthan gum to the composition. In order to have the strongest antibacterial activity it is recommended to produce gels with the lowest pH value (4,0). It is also recommended to use low concentrations of glycolic acid (1,0 %) in gels to lower the risk of glycolic acid side effects