Enhanced topical delivery of salicylic acid via hydrotropic solubilization technique: Formulation and evaluation of solution and gel systems for topical application

Salicylic acid is a widely used topical medication for various dermatological conditions; however, its poor water solubility limits its effectiveness. This study aims to enhance the solubility of salicylic acid using a hydrotropic solubilization technique to formulate stable topical solutions and gel formulations. Different blends of hydrotropic agents were optimized to identify the most effective composition. The optimized blend was used to prepare a topical solution, which was subsequently incorporated into a gel formulation using an appropriate polymer. The prepared hydrotropic formulation was evaluated for pH, viscosity, and other physicochemical properties. The results demonstrated that the hydrotropic gel formulation exhibited improved drug content, stability, and spreadability. Further studies should focus on long-term stability assessments and potential therapeutic applications.