Dermatology

What can dermatological compounding support?

St Mary Compounding Pharmacy prepares topical formulations for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, alopecia and hyperpigmentation. A prescriber and pharmacist can advise whether a compounded preparation is appropriate for an individual.

 Dermatological conditions:

Our pharmacy assists in the treatment, prevention, and maintenance for the following dermatological conditions:

  • Acne Vulgaris
  • Rosacea, perioral and periorbital dermatitis
  • Eczema (body or scalp)
  • Psoriasis (plaque, guttate, pustular, erythrodermic, etc)
  • Dermatitis (Atopic, Contact, Allergic, etc)
  • Keratosis Pilaris (KP)
  • Skin ageing, sun damage, and sunspots (Solar Lentigines)
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
  • Alopecia (hair loss)
  • Hirsutism (excessive facial hair)
  • Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Melasma, Acanthosis Nigricans, hyperpigmentation, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Keratinisation/Ichthyosis, and porokeratosis.
  • Vitiligo
  • Antiaging and cosmetic therapies
  • Scar fading
  • Solar Keratoses, Actinic Keratoses, Extramammary Paget disease and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
  • Warts and molluscum contagiosum

Customised Bases for Optimal Results

There is no one-size-fits-all base in dermatology. We compound using a variety of proprietary and commercial vehicles including:

  • Creams and thick emulsions
  • Creme-gels and hydrogels
  • Lotions (single- or multi-phase)
  • Gels (carbomers, gums, hydrocolloids)
  • Ointments (oleaginous or plasticised)
  • Medicinal paints and nail tinctures

Base selection is guided by:

  • Application site (e.g. face vs. soles)
  • Drug absorption needs
  • Sensitivities or allergies
  • Acute vs. chronic use
  • Area-specific texture preferences (e.g. scalp vs. flexures)
Example: A formulation for eyelid dermatitis will differ significantly from one for plantar psoriasis, even with the same active ingredient.

 Examples of Commonly Compounded Actives

1. Corticosteroids

  • Dexamethasone
  • Clobetasone
  • Betamethasone
  • Mometasone
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Fluocinolone

2. Dermatological Vitamins

  • Vitamin A (Retinoids)
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
  • Vitamin D (Calcipotriol, Cholecalciferol)
  • Vitamin E (Tocopherols)
  • Biotin (Vitamin B7)
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3. Antibacterials (Topical)

  • Metronidazole
  • Sulfacetamide
  • Clindamycin
  • Tetracycline
  • Erythromycin
  • Neomycin
  • Azelaic Acid

4. Fading & Brightening Agents

  • Hydroquinone
  • Kojic Acid
  • Tranexamic Acid
  • Methimazole
  • Cysteamine
  • Alpha and beta hydroxy acids (Glycolic, Lactic)
  • Sulfur
  • Kligman-style combination creams

5. Topical Antifungals

  • Fluconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Clotrimazole
  • Terbinafine
  • Boric Acid

6. Wart & Molluscum Treatments

  • Cantharidin
  • Podophyllotoxin
  • Imiquimod
  • 5-Fluorouracil
  • Trichloroacetic Acid
  • Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP)
  • Salicylic Acid

7. Antioxidants

  • Niacinamide
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Tocopherols
  • Ferulic Acid
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alopecia & Hair Loss Treatments

We compound topical and oral preparations for various types of alopecia, including:

Topical Agents

    • Minoxidil
    • Bimatoprost
    • Tacrolimus (0.03-0.1%)
    • Spironolactone
    • Ruxolitinib ( in same salt as Opzelura®)
    • Tofacitinib

Systemic / Antiandrogens

  • Finasteride
  • Dutasteride
  • Bicalutamide

Nutraceuticals

  • Biotin, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3
  • Amino acids: L-Methionine, Tyrosine
  • Silica

Local Anaesthetic Compounds

We compound anaesthetic creams and gels using:

    • Lidocaine
    • Tetracaine
    • Benzocaine
    • Prilocaine

Available in:

  • Clear gels
  • Creams
  • Water-washable ointments
  • Oleaginous bases

Used for:

  • Pre-injection numbing
  • Minor surgical procedures
  • Cosmetic procedures (tattooing, microblading, microneedling)

Anaesthetics above 10% require a prescription. Anaesthetics at 10% or below may be supplied after pharmacist consultation.

Discontinued Formulations

We recreate niche or discontinued dermatological products, including:

  • Erythromycin 2% Gel (Eryacne® – alcohol-free or alcohol-based)
  • Podophyllotoxin 0.5% (Condyline® Paint), 0.15% (Wartec® Cream)
  • Urea 10% + Lactic Acid 5% (Calmurid®)
  • Aluminium Chloride 20% (Driclor®)
  • Tretinoin 0.025% Cream (Stieva-A®)
  • Hydrocortisone 1% + Clioquinol 3% (Hydroform®)
  • Isotretinoin 0.05% Gel (Isotrex®)
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We also offer hypoallergenic recreations without fragrances, preservatives, parabens, or formaldehyde-releasing agents.

    • Lidocaine
    • Tetracaine
    • Benzocaine
    • Prilocaine

Highly Specialized Formulas

Login to access our full formulary. We compound thousands of specialized dermatology preparations including:

    1. Ruxolitinib 1.5% cream (as phosphate salt – same as Opzelura®)
    2. Tofacitinib 2% in cream or elastomer silicone gels
    3. Tacrolimus microemulsions for scalp use
    4. Clobetasol aqueous lotion (non-alcoholic, non-irritating)
    5. Baricitinib capsules in strengths not commercially available
    6. Podophyllum 15% in benzoin tincture (PBS-covered for eligible scripts)
    7. Cantharidin/Podophyllum/Salicylic acid wart preparations
    8. DPCP 0.05% or 0.1% tincture or solution
    9. 5-Fluorouracil 5% + Calcipotriol 0.005% combination creams
    10. Simvastatin or Atorvastatin 2% + Cholesterol 2% ointments
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