NANOEMULSION-BASED TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR ACNE VULGARIS: FORMULATION DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION STRATEGIES

Follicular hyperkeratinisation, bacterial colonization, and excessive sebum production are the hallmarks of acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that frequently results in papules, pustules, and scarring. Anti-acne medications like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics are frequently administered via traditional topical formulations like creams, gels, and lotions. However, poor skin penetration, instability, and frequent dose requirements restrict their therapeutic efficacy and lower patient compliance. Topical drug delivery methods based on nanoemulsions have shown promise in addressing these issues by improving drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Oil, water, and surfactant dispersions that are thermodynamically or kinetically stable and have droplet sizes that are usually between 20 and 200 nm are known as nanoemulsions. Improved drug penetration through the stratum corneum and targeted delivery to pilosebaceous units, the main location of acne pathology, are made possible by their enormous surface area and small droplet size. The formulation design and characterization techniques of nanoemulsion-based acne treatment systems are the main topics of this review. The choice of oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants, optimization of droplet size, zeta potential, viscosity, and stability, and drug loading methods appropriate for hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs are important factors to take into account. Particle size analysis, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, ex vivo skin penetration, and deposition investigations are examples of characterization techniques that are emphasized. Additionally, current developments involving combination treatments and herbal actives are covered. In comparison to traditional formulations, nanoemulsion-based topical systems offer increased penetration, controlled release, less irritation, and better patient adherence, making them a suitable platform for enhancing anti-acne therapy.