Ingredients for Medicated Rub Formulations

Here are some common types of ingredients used to create medicated rubs with gel or balm textures:

Gel Texture Medicated Rub

For a gel-based medicated rub, you typically use an oil gel base. These bases provide the gel consistency while allowing for the incorporation of oil-soluble active ingredients and fragrances. Examples of suitable oil gel bases include:

• Mineral Oil Gel
• Squalane Oil Gel
• C12-15 alkyl benzoate Gel
• Ethylhexyl Palmitate Gel
• Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Gel
• Hydrogenated Polyisobutene Gel
• Hemisqualane (C13-15 Alkane) Gel

To this base, you would add the active ingredients (such as menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate) and essential oils or fragrances that provide the therapeutic scent and sensation.

Balm Texture Medicated Rub

For a balm texture, you need a base that is solid or semi-solid at room temperature. This is typically achieved by combining oils and fats with solidifying agents like waxes or solid butters. Examples of ingredients used in balm formulations include:

• Oils/Fats: Various liquid oils or soft fats can be used as the base. An emollient like LipidSoft™ Palm can also be included in the oil phase.
• Solidifiers: Waxes (such as Beeswax, Carnauba wax) or solid vegetable butters (like Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter) are used to provide the solid structure.
• Active Ingredients: Similar to the gel type, active ingredients (menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate) and essential oils/fragrances are added.
• Thickening Agents: Ingredients like Palmitic Acid can sometimes be used to help thicken the balm.

The specific ratio of oils, fats, and solidifiers will determine the final hardness and texture of the balm.

In both types of formulations, preservatives may be needed depending on the presence of water or potential for microbial growth, although traditional oil-based rubs often do not require them if kept anhydrous.