Cooling ointment

Emulsifier-free therapy principle frequently used in dermatology which is mainly used as a hardly irritating "care cream" for sensitive skin.

The term "cooling cream" is a common misnomer for this lipophilic cream (quasi W/O cream or quasi-emulsion). The content of 60% peanut oil in combination with water causes the relatively fast oxidative decomposition with peroxy formation. According to DAB 9 the ointment must not smell rancid.

Unguentum leniens is regarded as unstable in galenic terms and accordingly sensitive to disturbing influences. It is valued for its very low irritant effect (lack of emulsifiers) on the skin. The lack of any emulsifiers is at the same time one of its major weaknesses as it is not very suitable for the incorporation of active agents. Unguentum leniens, as a lipophilic emulsion should therefore rather be used as an oily skin care cream. If this lipophilic external substance is applied on the skin, the emulsion breaks and the escaping water evaporates (cooling ointment!) while absorbing energy. This effect causes the cooling effect which is unusual for a lipophilic skin care cream.

S.u. cooling ointment (DAB)

The cooling ointment DAB is less suitable as a vehicle for active ingredients, as the emulsion breaks very easily when added. Suitable additives are zinc oxide, iron oxide (for skin-colored applications) and titanium dioxide.

1. Wolf G (2010) Individual recipe - but right. Derm 16: 391-393