Abstract
Many dermatological conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, are treated with topical therapeutic products. Instead of applying the active drug directly onto the skin, it is combined with a vehicle to aid in its delivery across the stratum corneum (SC) and into deeper regions of the skin, namely the epidermis and dermis. Absorption into the systemic circulation is minimized. Topical vehicles are also used as cosmetic moisturizers (often termed emollient therapy) to ameliorate dry skin, which is a cornerstone of the management of various dermatological conditions, including xerosis, eczema, psoriasis, and aging. The most common topical vehicles include ointments, creams, gels, and lotions, among others. It is crucial that topical vehicles are chosen based upon the size and properties (wet/dry, mucous/non-mucous, healthy/diseased) of the skin to be treated in order to optimize application and contact of the product with the skin, as this can have profound impacts on potency, efficacy, and patient compliance. This review examines common topical vehicles used for drug delivery and cosmetic moisturizers, including their formulation, advantages and disadvantages, and effects on the skin. The unique rules imposed by governing regulatory bodies in Australia and around the world, in terms of topical product claims, are also briefly examined.
Highlights
IntroductionThe skin is the outermost defensive barrier, which protects the human body from physical, chemical and microbial insults, and prevents the uncontrolled loss of water [1,2,3]
The skin is the outermost defensive barrier, which protects the human body from physical, chemical and microbial insults, and prevents the uncontrolled loss of water [1,2,3].The barrier function of the skin resides in the stratum corneum (SC), which is composed of protein enriched corneocyte layers and intercellular membrane lipids, such as ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids [1,2,3]
Topical drug delivery is the pillar of dermatologic therapy, and is far more complicated than just mixing an active drug into any ‘old cream’ and hoping for the best
Summary
The skin is the outermost defensive barrier, which protects the human body from physical, chemical and microbial insults, and prevents the uncontrolled loss of water [1,2,3]. Topical vehicles are used as carrier systems, which aid in the delivery of an active drug (e.g., corticosteroid, calcineurins, vitamin D derivatives, retinoids) across the SC and into deeper regions of the skin, namely the epidermis and dermis, whilst minimizing abdeeper regions of the skin, namely the epidermis and dermis, whilst minimizing absorption sorption into the systemic circulation. These formulations often used dermatological to treat dermainto the systemic circulation. We briefly briefly examine the regulatory considerations for these products
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