Vesicles as tools for the modulation of skin permeability

Human skin is a remarkably efficient barrier designed to keep our insides in and the outside out. The modulation of this efficient barrier's properties, including its permeability to chemicals, drugs and biologically active agents is the prime target for various dermal, transdermal, drug, antigen and gene delivery approaches. Therefore, several methods have been attempted to enhance the permeation rate of biologically active agents, temporarily and locally. One of the approaches is the application of drug-laden vesicular formulations. This review presents various mechanisms involved in increasing drug transport across the skin via different vesicular approaches, such as liposomes, elastic vesicles and ethosomes, along with compiling the research work conducted in this field.