Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Hypromellose, HPMC) is a well-known excipient used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields due to its versatile physicochemical properties. HPMC (derived from cellulose and obtained through etherification) varies in polymerization degree and viscosity, factors that both influence its functional applications. Usually, an increased polymerization degree implies a higher viscosity, depending also on the amount of polymer used. Hypromellose plays a crucial role in solid dosage forms, serving as a binder in the case of controlled-release tablets, a film-forming agent in the case of orodispersible films and mucoadhesive films, and a release modifier due to its presence in different polymerization degrees in the case of extended or modified release tablets. However, its compatibility with other excipients and the active ingredient must be carefully evaluated to prevent formulation challenges via several analytical methods such as differential scanned calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Particle Diffraction (XRPD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). This review explores the physicochemical characteristics, and diverse applications of HPMC, emphasizing its significance in modern drug delivery systems.

Cosmeceutical systems represent next-generation topical platforms designed to deliver bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential directly to the skin. This study evaluated four anti-wrinkle formulations (three creams and one emulgel) in terms of their stability, sensory characteristics, acceptability, and skin tolerance. The products incorporated a unique combination of active ingredients, including N-acetylcysteine, arginine HCl, Blainvillea camellia flower extract, tocopherol, and hyaluronic acid. For the cream formulations (EG01–EG03), different emulsifiers were employed, while EG04 was developed as an emulgel. Stability testing revealed that only three out of four formulations remained physically stable, with EG04 showing phase separation. Sensory analysis assessed parameters such as spreading, absorption, shininess, stickiness, greasiness, and smoothness, with results illustrated using a radar plot. EG01 and EG03 displayed similar sensory profiles, differing mainly in shininess and greasiness, while both exhibited high smoothness. In vivo testing was conducted on female human volunteers aged 50–65 years (Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV) to evaluate tolerance and acceptability. Only EG01 and EG03, formulated with methyl glucose sesquistearate and polyglyceryl-3-methylglucose distearate, respectively, demonstrated both superior sensory performance and 100% acceptability and tolerance in clinical assessment.

Background/Objectives: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Due to its broad therapeutic potential, CBD is often incorporated into various pharmaceutical formulations. This study aimed to evaluate homogenous (oil-based) and heterogeneous (emulsion-based) liquid preparations of CBD using different fatty oils and provide a comprehensive comparative framework for the development of stable liquid dosage forms of cannabidiol (CBD), with direct applications in pharmaceutical formulations. Methods: The oils and emulsions were qualitatively analysed to assess their stability and suitability as CBD carriers. Ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were employed for quantifying CBD in the formulations and also characterising them in terms of product quality. Results: The results indicated that sunflower oil is the most stable and analytically compatible matrix, with CBD recovery close to 100% and minimal degradation over time. Conversely, linseed and pumpkin seed oils exhibited significant analytical interference and oxidative instability. Oil-in-water emulsions prepared with a 4% Tween 80/Span 80 mixture demonstrated optimal physical stability and droplet size distribution. Conclusions: Overall, both formulations can be regarded as suitable pharmaceutical carriers for CBD delivery.

Background/Objectives: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Due to its broad therapeutic potential, CBD is often incorporated into various pharmaceutical formulations. This study aimed to evaluate homogenous (oil-based) and heterogeneous (emulsion-based) liquid preparations of CBD using different fatty oils and to provide a comprehensive comparative framework for the development of stable liquid dosage forms of cannabidiol (CBD), with direct applications in pharmaceutical formulations. Methods: The oils and emulsions were qualitatively analysed to assess their stability and suitability as CBD carriers. Ultra-Violet (UV) spectrophotometry and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were employed for quantifying CBD in the formulations and also characterising them in terms of product quality. Results: The results indicated that sunflower oil is the most stable and analytically compatible matrix, with CBD recovery exceeding 97% and minimal degradation over time. Conversely, linseed and pumpkin seed oils exhibited significant analytical interference and oxidative instability. Oil-in-water emulsions prepared with a 4% Tween 80/Span 80 mixture demonstrated optimal physical stability and droplet size distribution. Conclusions: Overall, both formulations can be regarded as suitable pharmaceutical carriers for CBD delivery.

Objective: This study aimed to design and clinically evaluate a bespoke cosmetic formulation tailored to individual skin characteristics and user preferences, focusing on hydration and barrier recovery in mature, therapy-affected skin. In addition, this study aimed to explore the feasibility and short-term outcomes of a structured, biometry-driven personalization approach applied within a single-subject case study design. Materials and Methods: A personalized dermato-cosmetic formulation incorporating melatonin, astaxanthin, low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, allantoin, yarrow oil (Achillea millefolium), lecithin, cholesterol, and arginine was developed based on objective biophysical assessment of the skin. A clinical case evaluation was conducted in a male subject over 55 years of age (Fitzpatrick phototype III) presenting persistent xerosis and dehydration following completed oncologic therapy. Quantitative skin biometry was performed at baseline and after 28 days of daily application, assessing hydration at six anatomical sites, sebum secretion, pigmentation and erythema indices, elasticity, and stratum corneum turnover and scaling. Results: After 28 days, sebum secretion increased by more than 100%, indicating partial restoration of the lipid barrier. Hyperpigmented areas decreased from 7.2% to 2.3%, while skin elasticity improved from 25% to 44%. A reduction of 8% in the erythema index suggested decreased vascular reactivity. Hydration levels improved consistently across all evaluated sites, and epidermal renewal was enhanced, as evidenced by reduced scaling and smoother skin surface. The melanin index remained stable throughout the study period. Conclusions: This pilot evaluation shows that bespoke cosmetic formulations, customized to individual skin biometry and preferences, can yield measurable improvements in hydration, barrier repair, elasticity, pigmentation uniformity, and epidermal renewal within 28 days, even in skin compromised by previous oncologic therapy. Given the single-subject nature of this pilot evaluation, these findings cannot be generalized to broader populations but rather highlight the importance of personalization and objective skin assessment in guiding individualized dermato-cosmetic formulation strategies. Personalized dermato-cosmetology using objective biophysical assessment may be a promising future strategy for effective, consumer-centered skincare.

Fixed-combination pharmaceutical forms offer the advantage of simple, reliable admin-istration of two different active substances. This study aimed to develop atorvastatin- and amlodipine-containing polymer-based fibrous sheets at a 1:4 dose ratio for fast disintegra-tion, enhancing elderly patient compliance. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone-based polymer disper-sion was embedded with two active ingredients via solubilization with polysorbate 80. The dispersions were described by pH, conductivity, and texture analysis. The fibrous sheets were characterized by morphology, disintegration, and dissolution. The single-jet electrospun fibers had an average diameter of 588 ± 190 nm. Differential Scanning Calo-rimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results suggest the amorphization of the active substances. Disintegration was very fast, with a measured time under 3 seconds. The API release occurs in a burst, with complete dissolution achieved within the first 5 minutes. The fixed-dose combination fibrous sheets offer a possible fast-delivery system for buccal administration in elderly patients.