Applications of nanoparticles in topical drug delivery and in cosmetics

The delivery of drugs and active agents to the skin by formulations containing nanoparticles is a topic of considerable current interest. A number of studies have shown important advantages of these nanostructure-based delivery systems over conventional formulations. This review describes the composition, preparation, and characteristics of a wide range of novel vectors, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, transfersomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, ethosomes and niosomes.