Water distribution in creams prepared using cetostearyl alcohol and cetrimide

The water distribution in an antiseptic cream formulation prepared using cetostearyl alcohol and cetrimide has been studied using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, ultracentrifugation and scanning electron microscopy. In addition to a free water phase two types of interlamellarly fixed water were found, one associated with the liquid crystalline network around the oil droplets and one associated with the liquid crystalline network of the bulk. The latter was in equilibrium with the free water and can be classed as freely drainable.