Ointment bases should have a softening point close to which temperature?

• A. 25 degrees C
• B. 37 degrees C
• C. 45 degrees C
• D. 60 degrees C

Answer: (B)

Softening point is the temperature at which an ointment base becomes pliable. For topical use, you want the base to be solid at room temperature so it can be handled, yet soften readily when warmed by the skin so it can spread easily and release the drug. A softening point near body temperature, about 37 C, achieves this balance: it remains stable during storage but softens enough on contact with the skin to facilitate application. If the softening point is much lower, the base may soften or melt in warm storage or climates, causing leakage. If it’s much higher, the base stays too stiff at skin temperature, hindering spreading and drug release.