Nano-vesicular systems for melanocytes targeting and melasma treatment: In-vitro characterization, ex-vivo skin retention, and preliminary clinical appraisal

Melasma represents an acquired melanogenesis disorder resulting in skin's hyperpigmentation effect. Although several approaches are adopted for melasma treatment, nanotechnology presents the most convenient one. Therefore, the present work aimed to formulate and characterize three nano-vesicular systems namely, liposomes, penetration enhancer containing vesicles (PEVs) and invasomes to enhance the topical delivery of the skin whitening agent; alpha arbutin (α-arbutin) for the treatment of melasma. Liposomes were prepared according to a 2