Formulation, Characterization, and Performance Testing of Topical Semisolid Products

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit manuscripts for publication in a Special Issue of Pharmaceutics entitled “Formulation, Characterization, and Performance Testing of Topical Products”. Topical products, such as creams, ointments, gels, lotions, patches, etc., are extensively used for the delivery of medicinal agents to treat various skin conditions as well as for cosmetic benefits. Given the complexity of skin structure and the variety of diseases requiring topical therapies, developing effective formulations is essential for improving the quality of life and enhancing patient outcomes. Drug delivery across the skin is challenging due to its lipophilic nature and variable permeability across different layers. Topical drug product development involves a careful selection of excipients that can maintain or enhance the therapeutic properties of the active ingredients, while ensuring the stability, safety, and efficacy of the product.

The formulation, characterization, and performance testing of topical products form the foundation for developing effective and safe therapies for a wide range of dermatological conditions and cosmetic concerns. Ongoing research and innovation in dermatology are leading to more advanced, patient-friendly formulations that enhance therapeutic outcomes. Advances in drug delivery, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, improve drug penetration and efficacy, reducing the need for high systemic doses. Optimizing texture and spreadability boosts patient compliance, while personalized medicine offers customized treatments tailored to individual needs, making these formulations safer, more effective, and reliable. Research on skin permeation and bioavailability ensures more efficient treatments, while stability testing guarantees long-term product effectiveness. As topical products develop, rigorous safety, efficacy testing, and adherence to regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, EMA) are vital.

This Special Issue aims to present a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the formulation, characterization, and performance testing of topical products intended for systemic action such as in transdermal dosage forms. This Issue will explore various facets of topical products, including but not limited to creams, gels, ointments, pastes, and lotions, used in dermatology, cosmetology, and pharmaceutical applications.

This topic falls within the scope of the journal due to its focus on the formulation, characterization, and testing of pharmaceutical dosage forms, which is a core area of interest for journals in the pharmaceutical sciences and drug delivery fields. It addresses critical topics such as drug formulation, materials science, and the evaluation of product performance, aligning with the journal’s commitment to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research that advances the field of pharmaceutical sciences.

For this Special Issue, we welcome the submission of original research articles and reviews. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Formulation Development: Exploration of excipients, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and techniques to improve the stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of topical dosage forms.
• Characterization Techniques: Investigation of methods for evaluating the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of topical and transdermal products, such as rheological properties, texture, spreadability, and drug release characteristics.
• Performance Testing: Insights into the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of topically applied products, including skin permeation studies, irritation tests, and clinical efficacy assessments.
• Quality Considerations: Discussion of regulatory standards, quality control, and manufacturing challenges specific to topically applied agents, with an emphasis on absorption into the systemic circulation.

Prof. Dr. Michael Roberts
Dr. Seeprarani Rath
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• formulation of topical semisolid dosage forms
• characterization of topical semisolid dosage forms
• microstructure
• in vitro release and permeation testing
• bioavailability and bioequivalence
• topical and transdermal delivery
• quality-by-design