Ethosomal Emulgel: A Review

Ethosomal emulgels are advanced hybrid drug delivery systems developed to overcome the limitations of conventional topical and transdermal formulations. These systems combine ethanol-rich, highly deformable ethosomal vesicles with a semi-solid emulgel matrix, resulting in enhanced skin permeation, controlled drug release, improved stability, and better patient compliance. Ethanol plays a critical role by fluidizing stratum corneum lipids and increasing vesicular flexibility, thereby facilitating deeper penetration of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Incorporation of ethosomes into an emulgel base improves viscosity, prolongs residence time on the skin, and minimizes vesicle aggregation and drug leakage. This review highlights the rationale, composition, preparation methods, penetration mechanisms, evaluation parameters, advantages, limitations, and therapeutic applications of ethosomal emulgels. Preclinical studies demonstrate superior drug permeation, sustained release, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared with conventional gels and emulsions. Despite challenges such as ethanol-induced irritation and limited clinical data, ethosomal emulgels represent a promising platform for non-invasive topical and transdermal drug delivery..