For effective topical and transdermal drug delivery, it is necessary for most actives to penetrate and permeate through the stratum corneum (SC). Extensive investigation of the thermal behaviour of mammalian SC has been performed to understand the barrier function of the skin.

However, little attention has been paid to the related experimental variables in thermal analysis of the SC using differential scanning calorimetry that may influence the results obtained from such studies.

In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the thermal transitions of the SC of both porcine and human skin. More importantly, the selection and impact of the experimental and instrumental parameters used in thermal analysis of the SC are critically evaluated.

New opportunities for the use of thermal analysis of mammalian SC in advancing skin research, particularly for elucidation of the actions of excipients employed in topical and transdermal formulations on the skin are also highlighted.

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By hoon FuGoh,Jonathan Hadgraft, Majella E.Lane – 5 January 2022.