Topical Precision: Advances in Nanotechnology for Controlled and Targeted Transdermal Drug Release

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) is a non-invasive therapeutic route offering sustained systemic or localized drug administration, yet it remains limited by the skin’s inherent barrier properties. The emergence of nanotechnology has substantially expanded the utility of TDD by enabling the effective transport of poorly soluble and biologically complex molecules. This review synthesizes recent progress in nanocarrier-based transdermal systems, with a focus on nanoemulsions, nanomicelles, and lipid-based formulations. These nanoscale platforms improve skin penetration through multiple mechanisms, including disruption of the stratum corneum lipid matrix, follicular targeting, occlusive hydration enhancement, and stimuli-responsive drug release. When used alongside chemical or physical permeation enhancers, nanocarriers demonstrate synergistic effects while maintaining favorable safety and tolerability profiles. Clinically, these systems have been successfully applied in the treatment of dermatologic inflammation, hormone replacement therapy, wound healing, and localized antimicrobial delivery. Continued research is needed to optimize formulation design and expand therapeutic applications, establishing nanocarrier-based TDD as a valuable approach in modern pharmacotherapy.