A review of delivery systems in cosmetics.

Physicians and patients have come to expect that our prescription topicals not only be efficacious but also minimally irritating and cosmetically pleasing. Much research and development effort are being spent to identify new vehicles to achieve these goals. Consumers are also demanding nonprescription products that give them noticeable results. The cosmeceutical industry, which accounts for multibillion dollars a year in sells, is on the forefront of the research. We reviewed the literature to identify and discuss some of those delivery systems used in consumer health products.