Cover

Scrivener Publishing
100 Cummings Center, Suite 541J
Beverly, MA 01915-6106

Publishers at Scrivener
Martin Scrivener(martin@scrivenerpublishing.com)
Phillip Carmical (pcarmical@scrivenerpublishing.com)

Handbook of Formulating Dermal Applications

A Definitive Practical Guide

 

 

Edited by

 

Nava Dayan

 

 

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Preface

Originally published by Allured in 2013 with the title “Apply Topically”, this reissued book has the new title of “Handbook of Formulating Dermal Applications” and is published by Scrivener Publishing. It encases the same contents as the previous edition. In the three years since the original launch of this book, it has received rave feedback from industry colleagues as “the book” for experienced professionals and amateurs alike. The book idea stemmed from my experience and the understanding of the great and unmet need expressed by the many professionals I was teaching over the years. This understanding led me to the journey of collecting and organizing this precious information in one consolidated place.

The creation of semi-solid formulations to be applied topically is an area that requires multiple disciplines. Sciences, such as chemistry, physics and biochemistry, must complement artistic and creative talents, and engage mathematical and engineering skills.

Professionals that work in this industry are typically armed with an education in at least one of the above areas and acquire additional proficiencies over time in their workplace. Therefore, many of those skills are obtained by trial and error and by learning from experienced mentors.

As noted, having taught skin product development for many years, I have been constantly approached, most often by students but occasionally by colleagues as well, as to why there is no adequate book to refer when either beginning to formulate topical products or when a need for problem-solving arises that requires a deeper understanding in a specific area. In times past, I have been sympathetic, but unable to offer a reasonable answer. Perhaps this lack of foundation, this muddy ability to give a straight answer is what, ultimately, compelled me to construct the book you now hold/or accessing online.

Compiling such a book is challenging. The main reason is that advice and guidance is typically communicated verbally from one professional to the other, in the same manner of loosely structured oral history—and it can be just as scattered. This book was created with the great collaboration of experienced and highly knowledgeable colleagues. It provides a comprehensive review of key elements in skin care product development and should serve as a basic guide for both beginners and advanced formulation chemists alike.

I sincerely thank my fellow contributors and hope that you, the reader, will find it valuable.

Nava Dayan PhD
Dr. Nava Dayan LLC
September 2016

SECTION I:
Preliminary Considerations and Selection of Raw Materials