Development of a Semi-Dry Method for Measuring Drug Permeation into Skin Using an Electric Facial Care Device and Iontophoresis

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Percutaneous drug delivery systems are attractive not only as a therapeutic strategy but also for cosmetic treatment. Iontophoresis is a well-recognized method for promoting transdermal absorption of ionized compounds. Franz cells are generally used to estimate drug permeation of skin by iontophoresis. However, methods using Franz cells are less versatile; for instance, the method is unsuited for use with a portable electric facial care device having a working probe of a certain size and weight. In this study, we constructed a semi-dry apparatus for use with an electric facial care device. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The apparatus has a multilayer structure consisting of mouse skin and 3 filter papers, modeled after the Franz cell. The skin permeation of the drug edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one) was then measured using this apparatus. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Edaravone permeation depended on working time, drug concentration, and ionization ratio of edaravone when iontophoresis was carried out with an electric facial care device. Furthermore, glycyrrhizic acid, α-tocopheryl phosphate, retinoic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate, which are recognized as functional cosmetic materials, also permeated the skin by applying iontophoresis with the device. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> These results suggest that the developed measuring apparatus is applicable for use with a portable electric facial care device and that iontophoresis using a portable electric facial care device is potentially useful in the cosmetic field.