RESUMO
In recent years, essential oils have drawn more and more attention of pharmaceutical workers due to its low toxicity and strong pharmacological activity. In addition to some pharmacological effects, some volatile oil also can be used as a good transdermal absorption enhancer, which has been widely used in topical preparation. The effect and mechanism of volatile oil as transdermal enhancers are different according to different kinds and active ingredients of essential oils. This paper summarizes the related researches on the promoting effect and mechanism of essential oil absorption by skin in recent years. The author analyzes the existing problems in the application of volatile oils in the topical preparations, so as to provide a reference for the later research.