Liposomes are well-known vesicular cosmetic delivery systems. The topical application of liposomes offers a wide range of advantages including increased moisturization, restoring action, biodegradability, biocompatibility and extended and slow dermal release. Their similar structure to biological membranes allows penetration into the epidermal barrier, compared with other delivery systems. The incorporation of cosmeceuticals using suitable delivery systems is important in the management of cosmetic disorders.
Niosomes are becoming popular in the field of topical drug delivery due to their outstanding characteristics like enhancing the penetration of drugs, providing a sustained pattern of drug release, increasing drug stability and ability to carry both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs.
Proniosomes are liquid crystalline-compact niosomal hybrid that can be hydrated to form niosomal dispersion instantly before use. It is a promising drug carrier with better physical and chemical stability than niosomes. Proniosomes have the potential to be scaled up for industrial purposes. They have been remarkably considered for transdermal drug delivery because of their competences, including the penetration enhancing ability of surfactants and their non-toxic characteristics. This review offers current approaches in the research and development of proniosomal formulations for the transdermal delivery of drugs with a focus on therapeutic applications.
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