Abstract
The effect of humectant on occlusivity and water holding capacity, which are very useful parameters especially in evaluating the skin hydration effect of a cream, was examined in w/o type cream. The hygroscopicity of humectant and the quantity of water migration in oil phase in contact with humectant solution were also measured to investigate its effect. The addition of humectant to w/o type cream remarkably changed these parameters in conparison with o/w; occlusivity was decreased and water holding capacity was increased by the addition of humectants. The quantity of water migration was descendent in the order of NaSCN Marbitol Urea Glycerin and closely related to the decrease of occlusivity. It was concluded that the occlusivity and water holding capacity of w/o type cream varied depending on the quantity of the solubilized water in oil phase and water retainability of humectants, respectively.
