Objective : To sort and summarize the literatures about the studies and applications of several novel drug carriers in transdermal gels. Method : Literatures about transdermal gels around 20 years were consulted to summarize the developmental state of transdermal gels with novel drug carriers. Definitions

characteristics of several novel drug carriers were explained and the effects of these new type transdermal gels were compared with other transdermal preparations to give some suggestions and improvements to the application of traditional gels of traditional Chinese medicine compounds. Result : Compared with traditional gel preparation and other transdermal administrations

the transdermal gels with novel drug carriers were more effective in penetrating skin. They could enhance the stability of drugs and make the active components targeting and sustained-release. Conclusion : The use of novel drug carriers was focused on several common carriers and the drugs treating skin diseases nowadays. More novel drug carriers and drugs treating non-skin diseases would be included in the researches about transdermal gels in the future. The transdermal gel with novel drug carriers has comprehensive area of application in transdermal administration

and give more inspirations and thinkings to topical preparations of TCM compounds.