|
Rahul Rundla
Dr. Tara Chand
Ashish Jain
Nehal Sharma
Keywords:
tranexamic acid; melasma; liposomes; liposomal gel; topical drug delivery; nanoliposomes; Carbopol 940; epidermal targeting; skin permeation; hyperpigmentation.
Abstract:
Melasma is a chronic acquired disorder of facial hyperpigmentation characterized by recurrent brown to grey-brown macules and patches on sun-exposed skin. Its pathobiology is multifactorial and includes melanocyte hyperactivity, ultraviolet and visible-light exposure, vascular and inflammatory alterations, basement-membrane disruption, photoaging and genetic or hormonal influences. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a synthetic lysine analogue and antifibrinolytic drug, has emerged as an off-label treatment option for melasma and has been investigated by oral, topical and intradermal routes. Although topical TXA can reduce systemic treatment burden, conventional topical formulations may provide inadequate epidermal targeting and residence because of the skin barrier and the physicochemical characteristics of the drug. Liposomal delivery offers a rational strategy to modify drug-skin interactions, protect the active ingredient and regulate release. Incorporation of TXA-loaded liposomes into a polymeric gel may additionally improve residence time, spreadability, ease of application and sustained delivery.
This review critically examines the therapeutic rationale for TXA in melasma and the pharmaceutical basis for liposomal and liposomal-gel delivery. Evidence from clinical studies, systematic reviews, formulation investigations, lipid-vesicular delivery research and recent quality-by-design studies is integrated. Particular attention is given to phospholipid and cholesterol selection, drug-to-lipid ratio, surfactant concentration, vesicle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug release, ex-vivo permeation, skin retention, stability and safety. A recent formulation study of TXA-loaded liposomal gel using thin-film hydration and Carbopol 940 is discussed as a representative formulation platform. The literature indicates that liposomal systems can improve pharmaceutical performance of topical TXA, but the evidence base remains heterogeneous and clinical validation of advanced vesicular formulations is limited. Future development should emphasize quality-by-design approaches, epidermal targeting, validated skin-retention endpoints, long-term stability, dermatological safety and adequately powered comparative clinical trials.
|
|
International Journal of Recent Research and Review
ISSN: 2277-8322
Vol. XIX, Issue 3
September 2026
|
PDF View
PUBLISHED
September 2026
ISSUE
Vol. XIX, Issue 3
SECTION
Articles
|
