Ethosome as a Potential Transdermal Drug Delivery System

Ethosomes are elastic nanovesicles with a high ethanol concentration (20–45%) that serve as noninvasive transdermal drug delivery vehicles, capable of overcoming the low diffusion rate of drugs across the stratum corneum. They are designed to deliver drugs to deep skin layers or into systemic circulation and can be incorporated into gels, patches, and creams. Ethanol acts as a permeation enhancer by interacting with lipid molecules, increasing lipid fluidity and cell membrane permeability. Ethosomes are particularly effective for transporting lipophilic substances and cationic drugs such as propranolol, trihexyphenidil, testosterone, and minoxidil. The article reviews the structure and penetration mechanism of ethosomes, their preparation methods, and their applications, highlighting the potential for research and development of new therapies using this delivery system.