US Patent 8343962 Topical formulation

It has been discovered that certain combinations compounds are excellent penetration enhancers and, as such, can be incorporated in a topical formulation to facilitate administration of active agents. The increased penetration enhancement can also lead to a reduction in the total concentration of skin irritants in the formulation. There is described herein a topical formulation comprising (i) at least one active agent; (ii) a first compound, and (iii) a second compound, wherein the first compound and second compound are different, and each is selected from the group consisting of N-lauroyl sarcosine, sodium octyl sulfate, methyl laurate, isopropyl myristate, oleic acid, glyceryl oleate and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate.