Abstract
Topical products have gained popularity in the recent years. Diverse formulation types, complex composition, and thermodynamically instable nature present great challenges in the formulation development of topical products. The analytical methods available for topical formulation analysis and quality control are limited. To improve formulation development of various topical products, especially when API is suspended as a crystalline form in the formulation or recrystallizes during application, methods for topical formulation performance analysis and evaluation are of vital importance. In this article, we review advancements in applying Raman spectroscopy to the characterization and evaluation of topical product performance. Furthermore, the potential application of artificial intelligence combined with Raman spectroscopy in enhancing topical formulation development in the future will be presented.