Cosmetic acceptability of six 40-50% urea preparations: a single-blind, pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Urea 40-50% is widely used in the treatment of hyperkeratotic dermatoses. Compliance with topical therapy is directly related to the esthetic and sensory acceptability of a topical agent.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the spreadability, odor, and post-application residue of 0.1 mL of six different urea 40-50% preparations administered in single-blind fashion to 12 trained female panelists.


METHODS
Spreadability was assessed at time 0, and odor and residue were assessed at 30 minutes post-application. The scores for a novel emollient preparation were compared with the composite scores of five existing preparations.


RESULTS
The novel emollient preparation was found to be the most spreadable and to leave the least residue. Odor scores were comparable and low overall.


CONCLUSIONS
Urea 40-50% preparations may vary considerably in odor, spreadability, and post-application residue. The novel emollient preparation was the most cosmetically acceptable.
Stebbins
William
W
Department of Dermatology, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Alexis
Andrew
A
Levitt
Jacob
J
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014508:Urea / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D014508:Urea