Analysis of creams. V. Application of thin layer chromatography. Part I

A standard procedure, consisting of two TLC systems, for the qualitative control of creams is presented. All common cream excipients, except those of very high polarity, are separated in a simple gradient elution system, using diethyl ether as the eluent in a chromatographic chamber saturated with n-pentane. The very polar cream base components are separated using n-butanol-glacial acetic acid-water (20 + 2 + 5) as the eluent. The chromatographic behaviour of common cream excipients as well as three FNA cream bases and four commercial cream bases is discussed.