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Comparative Evaluation of Spreadability Measurement Methods for Topical Semisolid Formulations/A Scoping Review
Elham Y Al-Barghouthy1, Saja Hamed2, Ghadeer F Mehyar3
1Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Spreadability testing lacks standardization. Texture analysis and amplitude sweep rheometry show high reproducibility, correlating well with each other and other methods for assessing semisolid formulations. Further standardization is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Rheology
Background:
- Spreadability is crucial for semisolid formulations, impacting patient adherence, dose consistency, and product acceptance.
- Current methods for assessing spreadability lack standardization across pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and experimentally compare five spreadability assessment techniques for semisolid formulations.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for harmonizing protocols and enhancing reproducibility in spreadability testing.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Experimental comparison of parallel-plate, slip-and-drag, rheometry (flow curve and amplitude sweep), texture analysis, and frictiometry on ten commercial formulations.
Main Results:
- Texture analyzer and amplitude sweep rheometry demonstrated the highest reproducibility and predictive power, correlating strongly (r=0.74).
- Flow curve yield stress showed a negative correlation with parallel-plate spreadability (r=-0.796).
- Creams exhibited the highest spreadability across all tested methods.
Conclusions:
- No single method fully captures spreadability; a tiered approach integrating parallel-plate, amplitude sweep, and frictiometry is recommended.
- Amplitude sweep rheometry showed good correlation with texture analysis, while flow curve data were more variable.
- Standardization of parallel-plate protocols is essential for developing unified spreadability indices.
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