Ethosomes for skin delivery

It is well established that the structure and function of the skin prevent penetration of many therapeutic molecules to the site of their action in the deep cutaneous strata. This paper reviews the physicochemical characteristics, safety properties and mode of action of ethosomes, a delivery carrier designed to overcome the skin barrier, so that new and advanced dermal and regional therapies can be achieved. The performance of ethosomal systems is compared to different controls in in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Ethosomal systems containing various drugs for dermal and regional delivery including anti-infective and anti-inflammatory agents, as well as drugs targeted to pilosebaceous units are discussed.