ABSTRACT
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 293 Corneoxenometry........................................................................................................................... 294 Corneoxenometry and Dose-Response Effect of Chemical Penetration Enhancers................... 295 Corneoxenometry and Organic Solvents ...................................................................................... 296 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 297 References....................................................................................................................................... 297
One of the most important functions of the epidermis is the formation of a well-structured barrier between the body and the ingress of potentially hostile xenobiotics. The latter compounds are as various as environmental contaminants, toxins, microorganisms, and others. Its function as a barrier is also vital to maintain constant the internal milieu. Much research has been undertaken to understand the skin barrier function which resides in the stratum corneum (SC). In some instances, however, chemical penetration enhancers (absorption enhancers or accelerants) represent an attractive potential in order to overcome the barrier efficacy and to increase the penetration of drugs through the SC. Penetration enhancers induce a temporary and reversible decrease in the skin barrier properties. They act in a number of ways. Some of them alter the solubility properties or disrupt the ordered nature of the epidermal lipids [1]. Other molecules alter the cohesiveness between corneocytes.
