Hair Removal and Bioavailability of Chemicals: Effect of Physicochemical Properties of Drugs and Surfactants on Skin Permeation Ex Vivo

The study investigated the impact of five hair removal methods on the skin permeation of various substances using porcine ear skin ex vivo. Techniques included dry and wet shaving, electric epilation, depilatory cream, and waxing. The research found that all hair removal methods increased transepidermal water loss, indicating barrier damage, but the extent of damage was similar across methods. The study used confocal Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and Franz-type diffusion cells to assess the penetration of three drugs (fluconazole, fludrocortisone acetate, and flufenamic acid) and two surfactants (SDS and lecithin LPC80). Results showed significant effects of hair removal on skin barrier function, but differences between methods were inconsistent. The study highlighted the need for further research on how hair removal affects the skin penetration of substances with varying physicochemical properties.