Multiple emulsions for simultaneous active agents delivery in a skin topical application

Most antiseptic agents are intended for use on intact skin, e.g. for hand hygiene or skin preparation before any medical procedure. This paper presents multiple emulsion-based antiseptic agents as formulations for application to body surfaces with modified release rates. Multiple emulsions with a co-encapsulated antiseptic (phenyl salicylate – salol) and an agent preventing microorganism growth (benzoic acid) were formed in a Couette–Taylor flow apparatus. Results confirmed the possibility of the release kinetics modification while two compounds were encapsulated in the internal droplets of emulsions to control the release rates and time of the dose release. The addition of benzoic acid as a second active compound of the encapsulation process in the internal phase of double O1/W/O2 emulsion reduced the time necessary for the total release of salol triggering a two-step release.