Formulation & Evaluation of Advanced Delivery System Using Oleogel Technological For Cosmeceutical, Nutraceutical & Pharmaceutical

The human skin functions as an advanced physiological barrier and regulates critical baseline parameters including hydration, thermal distribution, and immune defense [cite: 1]. However, the dense arrangement of the stratum corneum strictly limits the transdermal permeation of many therapeutic and cosmetic compounds [cite: 1]. Conventional topical delivery vehicles such as creams, ointments, emulsions, and hydrogels often exhibit processing limitations including phase separation, high microbial susceptibility, poor chemical stability of moisture-sensitive actives, and low loading capacities for lipophilic molecules [cite: 1]. These persistent issues have driven substantial formulation interest toward lipid-based, completely non-aqueous structuring networks [cite: 1].

Oleogels are semi-solid systems formed by immobilizing organic liquid oils within a continuous three-dimensional structural network generated by organic oleogelators [cite: 1]. These platforms uniquely combine the lipid solubilization and biocompatibility advantages of standard vehicle oils with the rigid mechanical properties of structural gels [cite: 1]. Oleogels significantly enhance the stability of lipophilic and oxidation-sensitive active ingredients, optimize residence retention times, and allow for programmable controlled release kinetics by modifying the internal network architecture [cite: 1].

Recent research has focused closely on hybrid multi-component oleogel systems that integrate distinct classes of gelling agents—such as structural polymers, wax-based crystallizers, and supramolecular assemblies—to achieve enhanced mechanical strength, stable rheological behavior, and exceptional physical durability compared to single-gelator configurations [cite: 1]. In the present study, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (MCT oil) and Light Liquid Paraffin (LLP) were evaluated as lipid phases of different polarities [cite: 1]. Concurrently, Ethyl cellulose, Kester Wax, DOWSIL Resin Wax, Dextrin Palmitate, and Ellamera polymers were incorporated to construct advanced hybrid oleogel delivery networks [cite: 1].

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1 Materials

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Radia 7104) and Light Liquid Paraffin (LLP) were utilized as primary vectors. Excipients used include Hydrocel-EC, Ellamera Bi-Thin 602, Septon 4055, DOWSIL SW-8005 C30, Kester Wax K80P, Kester K62P, Evercel GP1, Evergel EG-EB 21, TAISECT-OG-C MB, Rheopearl KL2, AEROSIL®, and SAFICOIL [cite: 1].

2.2 Methods of Preparation

The oleogel matrices were formulated using a standardized heating-cooling technique [cite: 1]. The vehicle oil was accurately heated to 70–120°C [cite: 1]. Under steady agitation (300–600 rpm), structuring agents were sequentially introduced based on individual dissolution properties: high-melting polymers first, followed by crystalline waxes and low molecular weight gelators at intermediate ranges (80–100°C), and particulate thickeners last [cite: 1]. Clear solutions were cooled to ambient conditions to yield three-dimensional semi-solid networks, cast into geometries, and allowed to equilibrate for 24 hours prior to technical evaluation [cite: 1].

2.3 Technical Evaluation Techniques

Organoleptic visual parameters were recorded [cite: 1]. Viscosity parameters were verified on a Brookfield Digital Viscometer (DV-I Prime) using RV spindles and T-Bar Helipath setups (10–20 rpm) [cite: 1]. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) parameters were explicitly captured via a digital Texture Analyzer operating with a TTC Spreadability Rig (HDP/SR) and a Forward Extrusion Assembly (A/FE) [cite: 1].

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Screening and Table Characterization

3.2 Viscosity Profiles

3.3 Textural Evaluation Profiles