Compounding for Dermatology and Cosmeceuticals? Here’s a New Anhydrous Base for You

At International Seminar last year, we introduced a new compounding base to help pharmacies creating customized medications for dermatology as well as cosmeceuticals: W06™ Anhydrous Topical Base. While there are already some high-performing dermatological bases, such as Clarifying™ and XemaTop™, we also wanted to develop an anhydrous option for compounding pharmacies.

W06 has a water activity below 0.6 (Aw < 0.6), which is where it gets its name, and which classifies it as an anhydrous base. This allows for prolonged default beyond-use dates (BUDs). We have also tested and shown W06 to be able to accommodate sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as hydroquinone and ascorbic acid.

As with any great base for dermatology and cosmeceutical compounding, W06 also has an elegant, refined feel, and its emollient properties moisturize and soften the skin as it delivers active pharmaceutical ingredients.

We have already developed and tested over 35 formulas with W06, and we will continue to create more. PCCA members can access them here.

Benefits for Compounders

• Lower Operating Costs
  W06 is anhydrous, which allows for prolonged default BUDs without having to spend thousands of dollars on stability testing, and it can increase operational efficiency for compounders making anticipatory batches
• Broad Application
  W06 is suitable for a variety of dermatological or cosmetic applications and is capable of accommodating challenging ingredients, including hydroquinone and ascorbic acid

   

Benefits for Patients

• Convenience
  It’s anhydrous, which allows for longer BUDs and less-frequent prescription refills
• Easy application
  W06 is smooth and creamy, offering a refined cosmetic feel to customized medications without a greasy or tacky residue
• Soft skin
  W06 has emollient properties, moisturizing and softening the skin as it delivers APIs

Note

We still recommend that compounders consider Clarifying in formulations for patients with acne and rosacea, and XemaTop in formulations for patients with psoriasis, eczema and dry skin. We have several XemaTop-based formulas with extended BUDs that have been studied using stability-indicating methods. But for compounders who need prolonged BUDs for formulas that do not have stability studies behind them, or who are working with sensitive ingredients, we recommend using W06.

If PCCA members have questions about compounding with W06 Anhydrous Topical Gel, they can contact our Pharmacy Consulting Department at 800.331.2498.

These statements are provided for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care, or encourage its abandonment.