Prediction of Wettability and Adhesion of Lotion to Skin Based on the OWRK Method

Abstract

In this study, we propose a new technique for evaluating wetting and adhesion of lotions to skin using surface tension measurements, contact angle measurements and calculations based on the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble (OWRK) method. Three prescription lotions (Napageln® Lotion 3%, Sumilu® Lotion 3% and Felbinac Lotion 3% ｢Rakool｣） and two over-the-counter lotions (Feitas® Lotion and Salomethyl® FB Lotion α) were used. Based on the dispersive and polar components of the surface free energy of Yucatan micro pig (YMP) skin, isograms of contact angle (wetting envelope) and adhesion work of the YMP skin surface were constructed. Plotting the surface tension and its polar component of lotions on this isogram revealed that it is possible to predict the wettability and adhesion of lotions to YMP skin. Such diagrams can be easily constructed even using the surface free energy of other types of skin, such as that of humans and hairless mice. This evaluation method may be applicable to other external use medicines.