Nanotechnology in Dermatology: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Performance, Safety, and Clinical Translation

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach in dermatology, offering potential for enhanced drug delivery, targeted therapy, and improved bioavailability for various skin conditions. However, despite significant research output, translational barriers persist due to heterogeneous study designs, safety concerns, and regulatory inconsistencies, which limit clinical adoption.

This narrative review aims to synthesize evidence on the performance and safety of dermatology-relevant nanocarriers, identify methodological and standardization gaps hindering clinical translation, and outline regulatory and clinical implications for the near-term adoption of nanotechnology in dermatological practice.

A narrative review was conducted covering the period 2015-2026. Data sources included PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Search strategies employed terms related to dermatology, nanotechnology, nanoparticle types, and applications. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, extracting data on nanoparticle class, indication, model systems, endpoints, safety signals, and regulatory notes. Thematic synthesis was performed with signal-strength grading; quantitative pooling was not performed due to heterogeneous study designs.

Analysis of 128 studies revealed three primary nanoparticle classes with distinct profiles. Metallic nanoparticles (TiO₂, ZnO, Ag, Au) demonstrate size-dependent skin penetration (10-200 nm) with TiO₂/ZnO showing minimal systemic absorption (epidermal retention 0.47-0.53 μg/cm²; systemic < 5 μg/L) while silver exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity above 6-25 μg/mL. Polymeric nanoparticles (PLGA, chitosan) enable controlled release (20-300 nm) with improved delivery for psoriasis and acne. Lipid-based carriers (SLNs, NLCs, liposomes) enhance barrier repair and reduce irritation in atopic dermatitis. Condition-specific benefits include enhanced follicular targeting in acne, improved plaque penetration in psoriasis, and antimicrobial pro-healing effects in wounds. However, stability issues such as oxidative rancidity, polymorphic transitions, and microbial growth compromise clinical reliability. Regulatory frameworks diverge significantly, with the EU mandating pre-market notification and nano-labeling while the US relies on manufacturer-driven assessment. Emerging technologies, including stimuli-responsive systems, exosome-based therapies, and AI-personalized formulations, show promise but lack clinical validation.

Nanotechnology significantly enhances dermatological therapeutics through improved bioavailability and targeted delivery, yet translational barriers persist, including formulation instability, heterogeneous methodologies, and insufficient long-term safety data. Standardized characterization protocols, physiologically relevant toxicity models using organ-on-chip platforms, and international regulatory harmonization are urgently needed. Integration of artificial intelligence for formulation optimization and digital surveillance for post-market safety monitoring offers potential pathways to accelerate safe innovation. Addressing these gaps will enable nano-dermatology to fulfill its transformative potential for millions of patients with chronic skin conditions worldwide.