Products
Ointment bases are available, for example, in pharmacies and drugstores.
Structure and properties
Ointment bases are usually lipophilic substances or mixtures which are used as a basis for the production of ointments. Typical components are (selection):
- Hydrocarbons such as petrolatum, kerosenes.
- Macrogols (PEG)
- Waxes such as wool wax (lanolin) and beeswax.
- Fatty oils such as almond oil and olive oil
- Fats such as coconut oil, palm oil and shea butter
- Fatty acids
- Long chain alcohols such as cetyl alcohol
Other ingredients:
- Water
- Antioxidants, vitamins
- Preservatives
- Dyes
- Emulsifiers
- Polyols
- Flavorings
Into the base, the active pharmaceutical ingredients are dissolved, emulsified or suspended.
Effects
The ointment base contains the active ingredients that are responsible for the pharmacological effects of the preparation. In addition, however, the ointment base also exerts important effects. Among other things, it has skin-caring, hydrating, anti-irritant, wound-healing and protective properties.
Fields of application
For the preparation of ointments.
Adverse effects
Ointment bases can cause adverse effects such as allergic reactions and skin reactions. Petroleum products such as petrolatum are criticized for environmental reasons because they are not sustainable.
