Creating Indistinguishable Placebo and Active Creams for Research (Calendula Extract)
Question
I would like to inquire about producing cream for research. If I need to produce a placebo and a product containing active ingredients, specifically [url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4/123-calendula-extract-%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B2%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2-%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94.html:3bttzp8n]Calendula[/url:3bttzp8n] officinalis extract at 0.9%, with all other ingredients being exactly the same, is it possible to produce creams with identical physical characteristics (color and smell) that users cannot distinguish?
Answer
Regarding the production of creams for research, specifically a placebo version and a version containing 0.9% Calendula officinalis extract, and the goal of making them physically indistinguishable (same color and smell) so users cannot tell them apart, this is generally quite challenging.
Calendula officinalis extract naturally possesses its own color (e.g., yellow or orange) and a characteristic scent. Adding this extract to a cream base will impart these characteristics, making the cream with the extract different in color and smell from a plain cream base (the placebo).
Therefore, producing a placebo cream that is merely the base cream to be physically identical in every way to the cream containing the 0.9% Calendula extract is difficult.
To achieve indistinguishability between the two creams (placebo and active) for a blinded study, additional formulation adjustments are often necessary, such as:
- Adding Colorant and/or Fragrance: It may be necessary to add small amounts of inert colorants and/or fragrances to both the placebo and the active formulations to mask the natural variations caused by the Calendula extract. The substances used should be inert and not affect the research outcomes.
- Choosing the Base Cream: If possible, selecting a base cream with very little or no inherent color or smell will make the masking process easier.
It is highly recommended to consult with a cosmetic chemist or formulator experienced in developing products specifically for research or clinical studies. They can help ensure that the placebo and active creams are truly indistinguishable and suitable for your research needs.
The product you mentioned is Calendula officinalis extract (ID 123).
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