Tactile friction and rheological studies to objectify sensory properties of topical formulations

The aim of the work was to identify the physical parameters relevant to different perceptual attributes by comparing a range of commercial skin creams with various compositions. We investigated the possibility of predicting sensory properties using rheological and tribological methods. Rheological evaluations of the skin creams were carried out using continuous shear, creep, creep recovery, rheodestruction and recovery measurements, oscillatory strain sweep measurements [small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS)], and frequency sweep measurements. Friction measurements were performed on the nonbiological skin model to investigate how surface properties are influenced by the application of different topical formulations. Furthermore, the formulations were characterized by a broad range of instrumental texture measurements. In vivo sensory analysis based on the spectrum descriptive analysis method was performed to discriminate the skin creams during pickup, rub out, and after feel. Using principal component analysis meaningful correlation relating rheotribological properties and sensory attributes during the entire process of product application was carried out. Rheological parameters deduced from the nonlinear regime were found to be important parameters affecting the frictional response of skin creams. In addition, friction data were correlated with slipperiness and stickiness—subjective attributes used for the sensory evaluation of after feel. Furthermore, a number of key textural parameters and sensorial data showed good correlation with results obtained from linear and nonlinear rheological measurement, indicating rheological analysis can be sufficiently used as a precise and valid tool for sensorial mapping of topical formulations. Our study further suggests that objective evaluation based on the flow curve, oscillatory strain sweep (SAOS and LAOS), and friction measurements can be used for sensorial screening of large number of prototype formulations, which otherwise may be time consuming and costly using a sensory panel.