Niosomal Versus Cubosomal Gels of Cetirizine Hydrochloride: Cost-Effective Permeation Enhancement for Potential Transdermal Application

The study explored the development of cost-effective niosomal and cubosomal gels containing cetirizine hydrochloride for enhanced skin permeation, with potential off-label use in managing androgenic alopecia (Aga). Niosomes and cubosomes were prepared using different lipid mixtures and characterized for various properties. Cubosomes showed higher entrapment efficiency (98-99.20%) compared to niosomes (40.70-85.90%). Ex-vivo permeation studies indicated that cubosomal gels had a 6.2-fold increase in skin permeation, outperforming niosomal gels, which showed a 3.1-4.6-fold increase. Both cetirizine niosomal and cubosomal gels demonstrated acceptable skin permeation and safety profiles, indicating their potential in Aga management.