Effectiveness of Protective Preparations: Impact of Vegetable Oil Additives to Recipes

The aim of the study is to demonstrate the effect of the addition of vegetable oils rich in EFA on the effectiveness of hydrophobic skin protection preparations intended for work in the wet environment. The research hypothesis assumes that the increase in the concentration of vegetable oils in the formula of protective preparations improves their spreadability on the skin, thus translating into acceptance of the preparations by users, improving their quality of life, strengthening the barrier functions of the skin without reducing the effectiveness of the protective action. The distribution capacity of pure vegetable oils is determined using instrumental analysis and sensory analysis. Also, TEWL tests are used to evaluate their occlusal properties. For protective preparations based on them, the distribution capacity is tested by in vitro methods as well as in vivo tests and sensory analyses are performed. The effectiveness of the tested preparations is measured by tests concerning absorbability, occlusion capacity and washability. The results are analyzed and compared, and a correlation matrix is developed to establish the relationship between sensory and instrumental measurements. The effectiveness of the preparations depends on the type of oil (its spreadability and viscosity) and the amount in the formulation. Practical Applications: For hydrophobic preparations of ointment type, there is a possibility to implement such instrumental techniques as: determination of preparation consistency by means of a cone, ability to distribute by means of parallel plates, but also determination of preparation viscosity by rheological methods. Viscosity, spreading ability, and oil occlusion ability are the most important parameters that should be taken into account when we design hydrophobic skin protection preparations intended for the works in the wet environment.