Monday, May 17, 2021

Difference between emulsion and gel

The major difference between emulsion and gel is that an emulsion is a liquid preparation, whereas a gel is a semisolid preparation. The emulsion is a stable suspension of small droplets of one substance in another in which it is immiscible, whereas gel is a semi-solid or almost solid colloid of a solid and a liquid, such as cheese or jelly.

Dosage forms are the means by which drug molecules are delivered to sites of action within the body. Based on the physical properties they can be solid, semi-solid, liquid, and gaseous dosage forms. Based on the route they can be the oral, parenteral, topical, buccal, and sublingual route of drug administrations.

Topical dosage forms are formulated in a vehicle, or base adapted to a specific body part or skin condition. It can be intended to be moisturizing or to maximize the penetration of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), often a drug, into or through the skin. Examples of topical dosage forms are cream, ointment, lotion, liniments, paste, and gel, etc.

Emulsion:

A pharmaceutical emulsion is a thermodynamically unstable system made up of two immiscible liquid phases, one of which is dispersed as globules inside the other and stabilized by a third substance called an emulsifying agent. It is a colloidal solution that has a liquid dispersed phase and a liquid dispersion medium. Oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions are the two types of emulsions.

Gel:

The gel is colloids in which the dispersed phase is a liquid and the dispersion medium is a solid. The majority of widely used gels are hydrophilic colloidal solutions in which a dilute solution is set as elastic semi-solid masses under appropriate conditions. Gels, which are often water-based, are similar to liquids to solids and are usually transparent and look like jelly. It is widely used in both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as they provide significant advantages.

Difference between emulsion and gel:

  • Emulsions are colloidal solutions that have a liquid as both the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium, whereas gels are that kind of colloid that has a liquid dispersed phase and a solid dispersion medium.
  • Emulsions are usually oil-based formulations, while gels are usually water-based formulations.
  • An emulsion is usually opaque, while a gel is transparent and can come in several colors.
  • Emulsions take longer to absorb, while gels are quick to absorb and normally light.
  • The emulsion is separate on standing, whereas gel is not separate on standing.
  • Emulsions are easier to formulate than gels, whereas gels are slightly more complex to formulate.
  • Topical emulsions may be ideal in all weather, while gel may be ideal for warm weather.

The similarity between gel and emulsion:

The major similarity between gel and emulsion is that these are both topical preparations that are used for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. They are two different substances with very similar properties that are suitable for oily skin.


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