Topical Delivery of Drugs Using Ethosomes: A Review

The 2019 review discussed the use of ethosomes for topical drug delivery, a method that allows drugs to reach the systemic circulation through the skin. The main challenge with this route is the low diffusion rate of drugs across the skin's stratum corneum layer. Ethosomal delivery was introduced to address this issue, and studies showed that ethosomal formulations of acyclovir and minoxidil had high therapeutic efficiency and enhanced skin permeation, respectively. The ethosomal drug delivery system was highlighted for its potential in developing new treatments for male pattern baldness due to its ease of preparation, safety, and efficacy. The review also covered the methods of preparing ethosomes, characterization techniques, applications, research trials for managing androgenic alopecia, and various ethosomal products on the market.