Influence of excipients on dermal drug delivery

Show notes

When formulating topical semi-solid formulations, formulators are often challenged to enhance dermal drug delivery. Due to the skin’s natural barrier function, driving desirable substances such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through the stratum corneum can be difficult. While excipients are defined as inactive ingredients, these materials play an active role in influencing the skin permeation of APIs. In addition, some excipients have a much more pronounced effect on dermal drug permeation and retention than others depending on both the API and dosage form selection.