Ethosomes Loaded with Cryptotanshinone for Acne Treatment through Topical Gel Formulation

The aim of this study was to develop ethosomes loaded with cryptotanshinone (CPT) and formulate them as a topical gel for the treatment of acne. Ethosomes were prepared and evaluated for vesicle size, CPT loading and encapsulation efficiency. Optimized ethosomes were formulated as Carbomer 974 gels and compared with conventional hydroethanolic gels for transdermal permeation and skin deposition in vitro. The anti-acne activity and skin irritation of the gel was investigated in rabbits. Optimized ethosomes had an average vesicle size of 69.1 ± 1.9 nm with CPT loading and encapsulation efficiency of 0.445 ± 0.007 mg/mL and 40.31 ± 0.67%, respectively. The transdermal flux and skin deposition of the optimized ethosomal gel were 2.5- and 2.1-times those of conventional gels. The ethosomal gel revealed better anti-acne effect with only slight skin irritation. This study demonstrates that ethosomal formulation is an effective dermal delivery system for CPT, and that CPT ethosomal gels are promising future acne treatments.