BACKGROUND: Improvisation of the nanosized vesicular systems has led to a series 
of useful developments including the deformable vesicles namely transfersomes, 
ethosomes and invasomes. The former two have been explored extensively, however, 
literature on invasomes is relatively scanty.
METHOD: Invasomal formulations researched for various applications have been 
reviewed using search engine "Scopus". The present review focuses on the update 
of the research activity on effectiveness and permeation enhancing effects of 
invasomes for dermal and topical delivery.
RESULT: Many research reports could be found on invasomes in the literature but 
scarce patent citations were found. The present write up elaborates the 
mechanism of penetration, and compiles literature dental applications of the 
invasomes, the detection ability, use in photodynamic therapy, pilosebaceous 
targeting, and for delivery of macromolecules. The use of massage and 
microneedles for penetration enhancement is the newer element in this area. 
Interestingly, the majority of research has been reported on temoporfin molecule 
but scarce literature is available for other molecules, so the area provides 
ample research opportunities. The review also highlights toxicity fact sheet of 
commonly used terpenes for invasome formulation.
CONCLUSION: Though invasomes present an advantageous system for enhanced topical 
delivery but it needs to be assessed for dermatopharmacokinetics; safety and 
toxicity issues on long term usage.