Green Pharmaceutical Systems: Alpha-Tocopherol Encapsulation in Nanostructured Lipid Carriers via Microwaves-Based Technique as Advanced Topical Drug Delivery Systems

Alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) is practically insoluble in water. It is important for skin health due to its many therapeutic actions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotection. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop, prepare, and evaluate nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)-based hydrogels as a topical dosage form to improve stability and therapeutic activity of vitamin E. The microwave-based method prepared five lavender oil-based NLCs (LN1–LN5) formulations that were assessed thermodynamically and entered into characterization processes. Hydrogels formulations based on NLCs (LNG1–LNG5) were prepared and evaluated. All of the lavender oil-based NLC formulations (LN1–LN5) had suitable surface charge, a low polydispersity index, robust thermodynamic stability, and nanosized particles. Stable organoleptic qualities, reasonable pH and spreadability coefficient values, acceptable viscosity, and no erythemic reaction are all reflected in the evaluation procedures for NLCs- based hydrogels (LNG1–LNG5) formulations. According to the thermodynamic stability study and characterization processes, the lavender oil-based NLCs (LN1–LN5) formulations can be considered suitable nanocarriers for the delivery of various therapeutic agents. The vitamin E loaded in NLC-based hydrogels (LNG1–LNG5) formulations is a promising cosmetic product for protection against photoaging and chronological aging.