February 2024 in “Pharmaceutical research” In this in silico study, researchers found that the hair follicle's contribution to dermal permeability of small molecules varies with the lipophilic and hydrophilic properties of substances, highlighting the need for careful characterization of substances filling the follicular route when interpreting experimental permeability data.
69 citations
,
December 2015 in “Journal of Controlled Release” This study found that nanocapsules formulated as a dispersion and applied with massage may enhance follicular uptake of clobetasol propionate while minimizing its skin penetration, offering a potential improvement over conventional treatments for scalp diseases.
39 citations
,
November 2016 in “Pharmaceutics” This study found that the contribution of the hair follicle pathway to skin permeation of chemicals can be predicted using lipophilicity, with hydrophilic chemicals showing greater permeation reduction from hair follicle plugging than lipophilic ones.
February 2024 in “International journal of pharmaceutical sciences and nanotechnology” In this article, researchers explored the potential of lipidic nanocarriers to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of finasteride in a topical gel form for androgenic alopecia, aiming to improve treatment options and reduce systemic adverse effects.
May 2025 in “Journal of Nanobiotechnology” This study reported that an ATRA-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier gel (ATRA-NLC-Gel) improved symptoms of alopecia areata in mice by enhancing transdermal drug delivery, reducing skin irritation, and promoting hair regrowth through targeted follicle enrichment and pathway activation.