Preparation and Physicochemical Characterizations of Niosomal Benzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin Phosphate Formulation for Acne Vulgaris

Purpose This study aimed to prepare and characterize a topical niosomal formulation of benzoyl peroxide (BP) and clindamycin phosphate (CMP) for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methods Different combinations of Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ethers (Brij), sorbitan esters (Span), and their ethoxylated derivatives (Tween), and cholesterol were used to produce the niosomes. Encapsulation, release, chemical and physical stabilities of the prepared formulations were studied. Results The studied niosomes exhibited high physical stability, as evidenced by unchanged size distribution over a six-month storage period. Formulations composed of Brij-52 combined with 50 mol% of cholesterol showed the highest encapsulation efficiency for both CMP (81.5 ± 7.4%) and BP (95.6 ± 3.5%). The release rate of CMP was found to be greater than BP. Conclusions It was concluded that niosomes could serve as stable carriers for topical drug delivery of CMP and BP, specifically in the treatment of acne vulgaris.