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. 2023 Jan 3;15(1):164. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010164

Table 7.

Various gelling agents and their pharmaceutical adaptability for use in topical emulgel.

Gelling Agent Concentration Range (%w/w) Pharmaceutical Adaptability Reference
HPMC 2–6%

  • Forms neutral gels

  • Can provide good stability

  • Resists microbial growth

 [126,127]
Carbomer (Carbopol)
Grades–ETD 2020, 171, 910, 934, 934P, 940, 1342 NF, 1971P		 0.1–1.5%

  • Forms high viscous gel

  • Forms gel at very low concentration

  • Provides controlled releasep

  • H dependent gelling

 [126,128]
NaCMC 3–6%

  • It withstands autoclaving. Therefore, can be used in sterile gels

  • Stable between pH 2 to 10

 [129,130]
Poloxamer
Grades–124, 182, 188, 407		 20–30%

  • Possess better solubility in cold water

  • Thermoreverisble gelation–gel at room temperature and liquid at refrigerated conditions

 [131,132]
Combination of HPMC & Carbopol 1.2%

  • Combination can improve stability of emulsion compared to individual components

 [133,134]