Estradiol an aromatized C18 steroid with hydroxyl group at 3-beta- and 17-beta-position. Estradiol-17-beta is the most potent form of mammalian estrogenic steroids. In humans, it is produced primarily by the cyclic ovaries and the placenta. It is also produced by the adipose tissue of men and postmenopausal women. The 17-alpha-isomer of estradiol binds weakly to estrogen receptors (receptors, estrogen) and exhibits little estrogenic activity in estrogen-responsive tissues. Estradiol enters target cells freely (e.g., female organs, breasts, hypothalamus, pituitary) and interacts with a target cell receptor. When the estrogen receptor has bound its ligand it can enter the nucleus of the target cell, and regulate gene transcription which leads to formation of messenger RNA. The mRNA interacts with ribosomes to produce specific proteins that express the effect of estradiol upon the target cell. Estradiol is used for the treatment of urogenital symptoms associated with post-menopausal atrophy of the vagina (such as dryness, burning, pruritus and dyspareunia) and/or the lower urinary tract (urinary urgency and dysuria). Estradiol is marketed under the brand name Climara (among others), indicated for: the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause, treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, treatment of hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration or primary ovarian failure and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Benzoic acid is a natural ingredient occurring in many foodstuffs and in plant extracts. Benzoic acid, its salts and esters are used as preservatives in cosmetic products, with a maximum concentration of 0.5 %. Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are on the FDA list of substances that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Both may be used as antimicrobial agents, flavouring agents and as adjuvants with a current maximum level of 0.1% in food. Benzoic acid is a constituent of Whitfield Ointment, which is used for the treatment of fungal skin diseases such as tinea, ringworm, and athlete's foot. Adverse effect of Whitfield Ointment: occasionally, a localized mild inflammatory response occurs.

Panthenol (pantothenol) is an alcohol form of the B5 vitamin pantothenic acid. It easily penetrates the skin retaining water and is a humectant, emollient and moisturizer. Panthenol mitigates signs of inflammation and stimulates epithelization. Panthenol comes in two enantiomers, D and L. Only D-panthenol (dexpanthenol) is biologically active, however both forms have moisturizing properties. Because of the ability to attract and hold moisture panthenol is used in skincare products as a humectant. It also has a role as provitamin (called pro-vitamin B5) and is used as a vitamin supplement in complex ( M.V.I. ADULT injection, Hospira Worldwide, Inc.) and alone, and as a cholinergic drug. Panthenol is a highly viscous transparent liquid at room temperature, but salts of pantothenic acid (sodium pantothenate) are powders (typically white). It is soluble in water, alcohol, propylene glycol, ether and chloroform, and slightly soluble in glycerin. Panthenol mixes readily with many different types of ingredients, making it a versatile ingredient to be used in formulas because it improves skin’s barrier function and maintains the proliferation of fibroblasts. In organisms it is quickly oxidized to pantothenate (pantothenic acid). Defficiency of Vitamin B5 results in many dermatological disorder. Due to the fact that only D-Panthenol is converted to Vitamin B5 and not L-Panthenol, the racemic mixture of D- and L- panthenol (DL-panthenol) has only half of the physiological activity of the D-Panthenol. These include stimulation of epithelisation, wound healing effect and anti-infl ammatory effect. Panthenol is FDA approved for cosmetic use and comes either in D form, or as a racemic mixture. It is also in the FDA list of over-the-counter drug products that are not generally recognized as safe and effective or are misbranded: as "Insect Bite and Sting Drug Products" and "Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac Drug Products".

Tetracaine (INN, also known as amethocaine; trade name Pontocaine. Ametop and Dicaine) is a potent local anesthetic of the ester group. It is mainly used topically in ophthalmology and as an antipruritic, and it has been used in spinal anesthesia. Tetracaine blocks sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses thereby affecting local anesthesia. In biomedical research, tetracaine is used to alter the function of calcium release channels (ryanodine receptors) that control the release of calcium from intracellular stores. Tetracaine is an allosteric blocker of channel function. At low concentrations, tetracaine causes an initial inhibition of spontaneous calcium release events, while at high concentrations, tetracaine blocks release completely.