Methodology: In the present investigation efficiency of ethosomes as novel lipid carriers for topical delivery of clotrimazole has been evaluated. Ethosomes were optimized by varying concentration of phospholipid and ethanol. Ethosomal formulation (F8) with soya phosphatidylcholine (3%) and ethanol 20% was optimized.

Result: On characterization spherical, unilamellar vesicles with smooth surface were observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the range of 5 to 200 nm. Zeta potential of F8 formulation was found to be - 4.16 mv. Drug entrapment efficiency of F8 formulation was found to be 90%. The optimized formulation exhibited pH (8) and viscosity (73,200 cps). Physical evaluation of ethosomal gel was done. In vitro release of F8 formulation was carried out which showed 92 ± 0.79% release over a period oF8 hours. Skin irritation study revealed no irritation from ethosomal gel. From the data obtained after plotting various models it was observed that the higuchi model was found to be best suited with R² value of 0.9678.Stability studies performed at 40 °C ± 1 °C and 25 ºC ± 1 ºC for 3 months showed good storage stability. No phase separation was observed in the optimized ethosomal gel.

Conclusion: Suggested that ethosomes as efficient carriers for clotrimazole topical delivery.