From the Research
The absorption rate of nicotine through the skin from a nicotine spray is generally low, with nicotine being detectable in the receiving solution 2 hours after exposure and increasing progressively, as shown in a study on transdermal nicotine absorption 1.
Key Factors Influencing Absorption
- Skin condition (broken or intact)
- Area of application (thinner skin allows more absorption)
- Duration of contact
- Concentration of the spray
Absorption Rate
The study found that the medium flux calculated was 4.82 ± 1.05 μg/cm(2)/h with a lag time of 3.9 ± 0.1 h, and after 24 hours, the nicotine concentration in the receiving compartment was 101.02 ± 22.35 μg/cm(2) corresponding to 3.04 mg of absorbed nicotine after contamination of a skin surface of 100 cm(2) 1.
Comparison with Other Studies
Other studies have also investigated the absorption of nicotine through the skin, including a study on in vitro human epidermal permeation of nicotine from electronic cigarette refill liquids, which found that the absorbed fraction of nicotine from finite doses was approximately 0.3 at 48 hours 2.
Clinical Implications
The low absorption rate of nicotine through the skin from a nicotine spray is beneficial from a safety perspective, as it reduces the risk of nicotine toxicity from accidental skin exposure. However, it also means that nicotine sprays should not be used as a transdermal delivery method for those seeking nicotine replacement therapy. For effective nicotine replacement, purpose-designed transdermal patches or other approved delivery systems should be used instead 3.