Textural and sensory characterization of carbomeric gels with panthenol

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the carbomer concentration (used as the gelling agent, in the range 0.5 - 2.0%) on textural and sensory characteristics of gels with 3% panthenol using sensory analysis as subjective and texture analysis as an objective assessment method. An active substance in the gels was panthenol, which also acted as a neutralizing agent of the carbomer. Participants and methods. Twenty female panelists, aged between 20 and 36, participated in the sensory study and had to fulfill a questionnaire regarding product attributes before, during and after application on the skin. Texture analysis was performed on CT3 Texture Analyzer, after each week for a month, and the following parameters were calculated: hardness cycle 1, hardness cycle 2, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, resilience and springiness. Results. The results showed that gels were stable over time and the structure of the gels was preserved regardless of compression. An increase in hardness and resilience was followed by an increase in the concentration of carbomer, while adhesiveness, cohesiveness and springiness did not differ much among different gels. The same trend was noticed when gels were compared during time. Sensory analysis confirmed findings of texture analysis and showed that with the increment of carbomer concentration, stickiness and density also enhanced, while absorption rate and spreadability decreased. Gel with 1% carbomer was chosen by the majority of panelists as favorite and as a gel they would regularly use. Conclusion. The methods of textural and sensory analysis represent valuable approaches in drug/cosmetic product design because they offer insight in the compliance of patients/consumers.