Abstract: Novel 1,3-dioxolanes (1,3-dioxyacyclopentanes) are provided along with new 1,3-dioxolanes (1,3-dioxacyclopentanes) compositions which are useful in enhancing the absorption of therapeutic agents through the skin of humans and animals. The method for enhancing skin penetration of therapeutic agents using 1,3-dioxacycloalkanes is also described.The preferred compounds are 1,3-dioxolanes (1,3-dioxacyclopentanes) and 1,3-dioxanes (1,3-dioxacyclohexanes). The preferred compounds have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R, R.sub.0, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are each independently selected from hydrogen and C.sub.1 to C.sub.18 aliphatic groups, preferably alkyl, alkenyl, and the halo, hydroxy, carboxy, carboxamide and carboalkoxy substituted forms thereof, with at least one of said R's an alkyl or alkenyl group of C.sub.4 to C.sub.