Below is a typical formulation for a commercially available ketoconazole 2 % cream (the exact percentages can vary slightly between brands, but the overall profile is quite similar). The active ingredient is ketoconazole; the rest of the ingredients are a mixture of solvents, emollients, emulsifiers, preservatives and stabilizers that create a stable, skin‑friendly base.
| Component (approx. % w/w) |
Function / Notes |
| Ketoconazole 2.0 |
Active antifungal – the drug itself. |
| Water 30–35 |
Solvent; helps dissolve many excipients and provides a liquid base. |
| Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) 5–8 |
Occlusive emollient that locks in moisture. |
| White soft paraffin (mineral oil) 3–6 |
Emollient, skin‑softening. |
| Cetyl alcohol 0.5–1.0 |
Emulsifying/conditioning fatty alcohol. |
| Stearyl alcohol 0.5–1.0 |
Emulsifying/conditioning fatty alcohol. |
| Glycerin 0.5–1.5 |
Humectant, draws moisture to skin. |
| PEG‑1000 (polyethylene glycol) 0.5–1.0 |
Solvent & mild emulsifier. |
| PEG‑150 (polyethylene glycol) 0.3–0.6 |
Emulsifier, helps solubilize the ketoconazole. |
| Propylene glycol 0.5–1.0 |
Solvent, humectant, assists penetration. |
| Benzyl alcohol 0.1–0.3 |
Preservative and solvent. |
| Methylparaben 0.01–0.05 |
Preservative (often used in low amounts). |
| Propylparaben 0.01–0.05 |
Preservative. |
| Tocopherol (vitamin E) 0.05–0.1 |
Antioxidant, helps stabilize the formulation. |
| Fragrance (optional) 0.01–0.1 |
Adds pleasant smell; may be omitted in “fragrance‑free” versions. |
| Colorants 0.01–0.05 |
Used to give the cream a white or slightly off‑white appearance; not all brands use colorants. |
How it works
- Ketoconazole dissolves in the oil phase (petrolatum, paraffin, PEGs).
- Emulsifiers (cetyl/stearyl alcohol, PEGs) keep the oil and water phases mixed, creating a smooth, spreadable cream.
- Humectants (glycerin, propylene glycol) attract water to the skin, aiding the drug’s penetration.
- Preservatives (benzyl alcohol, parabens) keep the product microbiologically safe over its shelf life.
- Occlusive agents (petrolatum, paraffin) form a barrier that prevents water loss, improving drug retention and skin softness.
Variability among brands
- Prescription‑strength products may use a slightly higher concentration of emollients (e.g., more petrolatum) to improve occlusion.
- OTC (over‑the‑counter) versions might contain fragrance or a lower preservative load.
- “Fragrance‑free” or “hypoallergenic” versions simply omit fragrance and use minimal preservatives.
Labeling example
A 100 g tube might carry a label such as:
Ketoconazole 2% Cream
Active ingredient: 2 g ketoconazole per 100 g (2 % w/w)
Other ingredients: Water, petrolatum, white soft paraffin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, glycerin, PEG‑1000, PEG‑150, propylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, tocopherol, fragrance, colorant.
Safety reminder
- Do not apply on large areas of broken or severely irritated skin unless a physician advises it.
- Avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly if accidental.
- Store at room temperature; keep the container tightly closed.
If you have a specific brand in mind, you can usually find the full ingredient list on the drug’s packaging or the manufacturer’s website.