Determination of the horny layer profile by tape stripping in combination with optical spectroscopy in the visible range as a prerequisite to quantify percutaneous absorption.

A new method was developed to determine the horny layer profile of volunteers using tape stripping in combination with UV/visible spectroscopy. The optical absorbance and the weight of corneocyte aggregates were compared as parameters for the determination of the mass of the horny layer particles fixed to the individual tapes. It was shown that the potential disturbances influencing both parameters must be considered critically before calculating the correlation factor, found as R2mean = 0.93 +/- 0.05. It was proven that the absorbance in the visible range is better suited than the weight to quantify the amount of corneocyte aggregates removed by a single strip. The new method allows an exact anatomical localization of the individual tapes and all data obtained within the depth profile of the stratum corneum. This was exemplified by the determination of the penetration of chemical and physical UV filters into the horny layer.