/publications/issue/2002/2002-10/2002-10-6992

How can I maintain a gel-like product and still incorporate the salicylic acid?

Author:
I received a request for 3% salicylic acid to be mixed in 60 g of clobetasol gel. I tried to work the salicylic acid into the gel in the same manner as I would an ointment: levigation of the powder followed by incorporation into the cream. My products lost the gel consistency and ended up as a liquid. How can I maintain a gel-like product and still incorporate the salicylic acid?
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A discontinued product, Keralyt Gel, contained salicylic acid in high concentration. It seems to have been removed from the market partly because of instability of the gel: salicylic acid decreases the pH of the preparation. Most gel bases break at low pH.

Here is a suggestion: try levigating the clobetasol as a powder into a gel such as this (Table).
No claims are made as to the uses, safety, efficacy, or bioavailability of this product. The formula is for informational purposes only.