Topical Sprays: A Review of Formulation Stratgies, Evaluation and Applications in Drug Delivery (Past, Present and Future)

Aim: This review aims to present a clear and comprehensive understanding of topical spray drug delivery systems, with emphasis on their formulation approaches, evaluation methods, mechanism of skin delivery, and their growing role in dermatological therapy.  Objectives: The main objective is to explore how topical sprays have evolved from conventional aerosol-based products to more advanced systems such as pump sprays, film-forming formulations, and nano-carrier assisted delivery systems. It also focuses on highlighting their advantages over traditional semisolid dosage forms like creams and ointments, along with discussing key formulation ingredients, skin penetration enhancement strategies, evaluation techniques, and clinical applications in various skin conditions.  Results: Literature analysis shows that topical sprays provide several practical and therapeutic benefits, including easy and hygienic application, uniform spreading over the skin, rapid drying, and improved patient comfort and compliance. Advanced systems such as film-forming sprays and nano-based formulations further improve drug delivery by enhancing penetration through the stratum corneum, increasing skin retention, and enabling controlled and sustained release. Evaluation studies indicate that parameters such as droplet size, spray pattern, drying time, dose uniformity, and skin permeation play a crucial role in determining the overall performance and effectiveness of these formulations.  Conclusion: Topical spray systems have emerged as a promising and efficient approach in modern dermatological drug delivery. Ongoing innovations in formulation design and delivery technology are expected to further enhance their therapeutic performance, safety, and acceptance in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.