FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TAZAROTENE-LOADED ELASTIC LIPOSOMAL HYDROGEL FOR TOPICAL ANTI-ACNE EFFECT

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to develop and characterize a Tazarotene-loaded elastic liposomal hydrogel as a potential topical delivery system for acne management. Elastic liposomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method and optimized using a Box–Behnken Design with soya lecithin, Tween-20, and sonication time as independent variables. The optimized elastic liposomes were incorporated into Carbopol 940 hydrogel, and six formulations were evaluated. Formulation F5 showed satisfactory properties, including a smooth and homogeneous appearance, pH 5.84, viscosity 4415 cP, spreadability 6.78 cm, and drug content 99.46%. F5 exhibited sustained Tazarotene release, reaching 88.34% at 12 h, with the Korsmeyer–Peppas model providing the best fit (R² = 0.9989). The formulation demonstrated concentration-dependent activity against Propionibacterium acnes and negligible skin irritation. In the heat-killed P. acnes-induced Wistar rat model, F5 produced a progressive reduction in ear thickness, with the higher dose showing greater activity. The formulation also remained stable during three months of evaluation. The findings suggest that Tazarotene loaded elastic liposomal hydrogel F5 is a promising topical delivery system for sustained drug delivery and potential acne management.