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 skin's stratum corneum barrier that limits traditional topical treatments. Ethosomes, which are phospholipid vesicles with high ethanol content, enhance skin permeation by disrupting lipid layers and increasing vesicle flexibility. They effectively deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs with higher loading efficiency than standard liposomes. Studies have shown that ethosomal formulations, such as those for acyclovir and minoxidil, significantly improve therapeutic outcomes, including faster healing of herpes lesions and increased skin permeation, respectively. These advantages make ethosomes particularly suitable for dermatological applications, including the treatment of androgenic alopecia.