Compared with conventional chemical routes, transdermal administration via natural oils offers an alternative path to deliver actives. However, as these inventors explain, the stratum corneum provides a formidable barrier to exogenous molecules.
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Compared with conventional chemical routes, transdermal administration via natural oils offers an alternative path to deliver actives. However, as these inventors explain, the stratum corneum provides a formidable barrier to exogenous molecules.
While some chemical skin penetration enhancers have been employed, many are associated with irritation and toxic effects. Thus, there is a need for new, safe and effective skin penetration enhancers; especially those of natural origin, which have gained popularity.
Previous penetration enhancers of natural origin have been described, such as niaouli, eucalyptus, Alpinia oxyphylla, terpentine, sweet basil, tulsi, cardamon, peppermint, fennel and black cumin oils, but these are not optimal transdermal delivery vehicles by themselves. Subsequently, several formulations have been prepared containing a variety of natural oils.
While these combinations have shown some effectiveness, the need for safe and natural skin penetration enhancers still remains. This was the focus of a new patent application.
Transdermal delivery via natural oils
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/100103
Publication date: June 15, 2017
Assignees: CL Cavallino and B Gites
Disclosed herein is a natural composition for transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent and methods of treatment using the composition. The composition includes: a) a natural oil at approx. 40% to 75% w/w; b) 3% to 11% behenic acid; c) a second oil from approx. 2% to 15% w/w comprising oleic and/or palmitic acids selected from: shea or cocoa butter, or tamanu, argan, pecan, canola, olive, poppy seed, sesame, seabuckthorn, grape seed, sunflower, macadamia, hemp, soybean, pumpkin seed, Borneo tallow nut, maracuja, marula, neem, baobab or rosehip oils; and d) an emulsifying wax at approx. 9% to 32% w/w of the composition.
The described transdermal product is mainly indicated for drug delivery but in one aspect, is described for cosmetic effects such as cellulite removal or masking. In cosmetics, the emulsifying wax may generally contain cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, PEG-150 stearate and/or steareth-20, which acts as an effective thickener and assists in stabilizing emulsions and formulations.