Applications and Limitations of Lipid Nanoparticles in Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery via the Follicular Route

Lipid nanoparticles (LN), including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanolipid carriers (NLC), were explored for their potential in dermal and transdermal drug delivery, particularly via hair follicles (HF). These nanoparticles could enhance solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), while protecting them from environmental factors. Despite their benefits, LN primarily remained on the skin surface, limiting deep penetration. However, HF offered a promising route due to their lipid-rich environment, which matched the composition of LN, facilitating drug release and penetration. Future advancements in LN formulations should focus on modifying particle size, lipophilicity, and incorporating permeation enhancers to improve drug delivery efficiency through the HF.