Skin pharmacology

Abstract

Percutaneous absorption, also known as dermal or skin absorption, is a term that refers to the transport of a chemical from the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) to the systemic circulation. Percutaneous absorption assays are essential for the safety assessment of chemicals making contact with the skin surface, such as pesticides, topically applied pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and cosmetics, as well as in the development of drugs for dermal or transdermal application.