Emulgel: A Boon for Enhanced Topical Drug Delivery

Background: Topical drug delivery system is dosage forms which are applied directly to the skin to cure various diseases. When we compare all the semisolid preparation for topical drug delivery, gels have been extensively used in cosmetics as well as pharmaceutical preparations. The major drawback of gels is in delivery of hydrophobic drugs which can be overcome by using emulgels. The dosage forms where gel and emulsion are combined together are known as emulgel. Emulgel is one of the modern technologies in novel drug delivery system for topical use having properties of dual control release i.e. emulsion and gel. Methods: In emulgel drug delivery system drugs are incorporated into globules which are then dispersed resulting in the formation of emulsion which is then mixed with the gel base. Results: It was seen that emulgels are better topical drug delivery systems compared to others owing to its advantages such as greaseless, smooth, homogeneous texture, glossy appearance, transparent, pH equivalent to pH of skin, high drug content and sustained release. Conclusion: This review article focuses on emulgel including its properties and formulation considerations with characterization parameters proving that emulgels are one of the most effective and convenient drug delivery systems.