SLN and NLC are very well-tolerated carrier systems for dermal application. The production of these carrier systems as well as of lipid nanoparticle containing topical formulations is feasible in laboratory and on large scale. The physical stability of the SLN and NLC in dermal products was proven for various formulations and can be assessed using well-established methods.
Many features of SLN and NLC that are advantageous for dermal application of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products have been reported, e.g. occlusive properties, increase in skin hydration, modified release, increase of skin penetration associated with a targeting effect and avoidance of systemic uptake.
The first two cosmetic products containing lipid nanoparticles were introduced to the market in 2005. Within 3 years after the introduction of the first products about 30 cosmetic products containing lipid nanoarticles are in the market nowadays.
SLN and NLC have shown many advantages for dermal delivery of drugs but unfortunately up to now there are no pharmaceutical products on the market containing lipid nanoparticles. It could be shown already for various drugs that topical formulations containing lipid nanoparticles can enhance the penetration into the skin increasing treatment efficiency, target the epidermis, reduce systemic absorption and side effects. Furthermore, an increased activity as well as prolonged activity was reported while the benefit/risk ratio was increased for many drugs. Due to the superior performance of lipid nanoparticles containing topical formulations compared to market formulations, the market introduction of pharmaceutical topical formulations is expected in the near future.