A Critical Review: Recent Advances in Ethosomal Gel for Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Ethosomal gel systems have emerged as a promising solution for transdermal drug delivery, overcoming the barrier posed by the skin's stratum corneum. Ethosomes, which are phospholipid vesicles with high ethanol content, enhance skin permeation by disrupting lipid layers and increasing vesicle flexibility. This allows for higher drug loading efficiency and effective delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Studies have shown that ethosomal formulations, such as those for acyclovir and minoxidil, significantly improve therapeutic outcomes, including faster healing of herpes labialis lesions and increased skin permeation, respectively. These advantages make ethosomes particularly suitable for dermatological applications, including the treatment of androgenic alopecia.