Topical Lipid Based Drug Delivery Systems for Skin Diseases: A Review

Treatment of skin ailments through systemic administration is limited due to toxicity and patients discomfort. Hence, lower risk of systemic side effects from topical dosage forms like ointments, creams, emulsions and gels is more preferred for the treatment of skin disease. Application of lipid based carriers in drug delivery in topical formulations has recently become one of the major approaches to improve drug permeation, safety, and effectiveness. These delivery systems include liposomes, ethosomes, transfersomes, Nanoemulsions (NEs), Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) and micelles. Most of the liposomes and SLNs based products are in the market while some are under investigation. Transcutaneous delivery of therapeutics to the skin layer by novel lipid based carriers has enhanced topical therapy for the treatment of skin ailments. This article covers an overview of the lipid-based carriers for topical uses to alleviate skin diseases.