Comparison of cosmetic and physicochemical properties of six topical corticosteroid creams.

The cosmetic and physicochemical properties of six topical corticosteroid creams were evaluated and compared. The following creams were provided in blinded tubes: Elocon, Westcort, Lidex, Kenalog, Valisone, and Cutivate. The following properties were evaluated in vitro: stiffness (hardness), grittiness, color, odor, homogeneity (phase separation), pH, weight loss, and tackiness (stickiness). Samples of the creams were evaluated by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to identify particle and droplet distribution, particulate contamination, and microscopic homogeneity of the products. Cutivate ranked number 1 in each category and received the best overall score for each of the cosmetic and physicochemical properties evaluated. The cosmetic and physicochemical properties of Elocon, Westcort, Lidex, and Kenalog were found to be similar to one another with regard to overall score but inferior to Cutivate. Valisone was also good with regard to overall score but was ranked less acceptable due to a strong odor.