Solid lipid nanoparticles in dermaceuticals

Abstract Prevalence of skin diseases is on the rise, world over and the conventional treatments available at present are unable to completely cure these diseases and meet the expectations of patients. In this regard new drug delivery approaches including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are currently being explored for their ability to deliver drug to the epidermis and the lower skin layers including dermis. SLNs and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) feature several claimed benefits for topical drug delivery namely, biocompatible ingredients, sustained drug release, and adhesion to skin and occlusion with subsequent hydration of the outer skin layers. This chapter summarizes the need, evolution, mechanism of penetration, specific benefits (occlusion, adhesiveness, ultraviolet blocking, improved chemical stability), and applications of SLNs and NLCs. It also compiles the patents, case studies of successful topical delivery with these drug carriers and their use in finished marketed products available worldwide.