Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Based Nanoformulations for Atopic Dermatitis: A Comprehensive Review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and pruritus. Conventional therapies often show limited efficacy due to poor skin penetration, side effects, and low adherence. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) offer a promising topical drug delivery platform to enhance skin targeting, controlled release, and patient compliance. This review highlights NLC design, formulation strategies, dermal penetration mechanisms, and immunomodulatory potential, with preclinical and emerging clinical evidence for corticosteroid-, immunosuppressant-, and phytochemical-loaded systems. Safety, regulatory considerations, and translational challenges are discussed, emphasizing the need for stimuli-responsive and personalized NLC approaches for effective AD management.