Determining the quality of hydrophobic barrier creams by rheological measurements, sensory analysis, pH determination and permeation time measurements

• Physicochemical measurements can be used to determine quality of the waterproof barrier creams
• The linear relations between sensory variables and the rheological parameters were determined.
• Two empirical models were proposed for a description of flow behavior for hydrophobic barrier cream.

The aim of this work was to investigate how rheological measurements, sensory analysis, determination pH, and the measurement of permeation time could help to determine quality of waterproof barrier creams which are used in healthcare.Rheological properties, permeation time, pH, sensory evaluation stability on both commercial hydrophobic barrier creams and own recipe creams were investigated. The presence of mere hydrophobic components in a hydrophobic barrier cream recipe ensures high skin protection against water and aqueous solutions of detergents in working environment. In other cases, the cream is a mere supplement in the prevention of skin diseases by ensuring proper skin hydration after work. Conducting a set of analysis for barrier creams and defining the connection between physical parameters of the cream and their barrier properties allow to control their quality at the manufacturing stage and to modify existing recipes. Hence, it is possible to prevent occupational skin diseases such as ICD and not only treating their consequences. This helps improve the quality of life of people working with harmful and irritating substances and healthcare services.