ABSTRACT
As the primary function of the stratum comeum is to safeguard the body from intrusion of microbes, chemicals, and other foreign influences while limiting the escape of water, it is not surprising that modification of this tissue results in an alteration of skin permeability. Many surfactants are capable of interacting with the stratum comeum (SC) to increase the absorption of dmgs and other active compounds from products applied to the skin. Skin penetration measurements are valuable in quantifying these effects and observing the influence of surfactant chemistry and concentration. Recent reviews describe the methodology utilized as well as results of studies involving surfactants [1,2,3]. 502Depending on the type of measurement used, it may be possible to simultaneously monitor skin uptake and penetration flux.
