FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF UREA OINTMENT USING KOKUM BUTTER

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for safe and effective topical formulations for the treatment of dry skin, cracked heels, and other hyperkeratotic skin conditions. Urea is well-known keratolytic and moisturizing agent that improves skin hydration, softens hardened skin, and promotes the removal of dead skin cells. This project focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a urea ointment using kokum butter as a natural ointment base. Kokum butter possesses excellent emollient, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties, making it suitable for topical pharmaceutical formulations. The primary objective of the study is to develop a stable, safe and patient-friendly ointment that provides effective hydration, protects the skin barrier, and enhances the healing of the dry and damaged skin. The formulation was prepared using suitable pharmaceutical excipients to obtain a smooth and stable ointment with good consistency and spreadability. The prepared formulation was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters such as physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, viscosity, stability, and the skin irritation to assess its quality and performance. In addition, factors such as patient compliance, ease of application, and cosmetic acceptability were also considered. This project focuses on developing an effective, affordable, and user-friendly topical formulation using urea and kokum butter to moisturize dry skin and treat cracked heels.