Film-Forming Gels for Topical Drug Delivery: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Formulation on Film Performance, Drug Release, and Skin Permeation

Film-forming gels (FFGs) are increasingly recognized as a medium for topical drug delivery. However, existing evidence correlating specific formulation characteristics with drug delivery efficacy remains fragmented across many studies and is only partially organized. This systematic review aimed to consolidate these findings into a single framework and examine how important formulation variables affect three main outcome domains: film characteristics, drug release behavior, and skin permeation. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted until October 2025, adhering to the PRISMA criteria. Studies were included if they examined topical FFG formulations and reported at least one of the predetermined outcomes. A total of 27 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with solvent evaporation identified as the predominant method for FFG preparation. Across this body of research, the selection and relative ratio of polymers and plasticizers have consistently emerged as critical determinants influencing drying time (<15 min), mechanical strength, flexibility, and bioadhesive properties of the film on the skin. Most formulations released the drug slowly over approximately 8-48 hours. In studies that measured permeation, FFGs usually exhibited a higher flux and/or better drug retention in the skin than regular topical formulations. The film's ability to block the skin and the use of penetration enhancers in the matrix are thought to cause these effects. In summary, these results show that FFGs are a flexible and customizable formulation platform, where the film's characteristics, release rate, and skin penetration are all strongly linked to the composition's design. To obtain this technology with clearer therapeutic benefits, we need to employ Quality by Design principles more widely and have more consistent evaluation methodologies across studies.