What does levigation involve?

Levigation involves the process of reducing solid particles to a fine powder or facilitating the dispersion of solids in a liquid medium, often with the help of a small amount of liquid. This technique is used to create a smooth and uniform consistency in formulations, such as ointments or creams. By pressing the solid into a liquid, levigation helps ensure that the ingredients are well-integrated, enhancing the product's efficacy and stability. This method is particularly important in pharmacy and compounding, where the texture and homogeneity of topical preparations can significantly impact their performance and patient acceptance.

While other methods, such as grinding or heating, are important in solid state transformations or improving solubility, they do not specifically encapsulate the essence of what levigation aims to achieve in formulation science.