Abstract: A method of delivering a drug composition comprises providing a carrier having a phosphatidylcholine component and a drug entrapped therein, and applying the composition to the skin for transdermal delivery of the drug, wherein the composition is stable at room temperature.

Abstract: Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid, particularly saturated fatty acid esters such as ascorbyl palmitate, their salts, ascorbic acid and its salts are solubilized in large amounts, e.g., up to about 25% by weight, and stabilized using special solvent systems. Useful solvents include polyethylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, propylene carbonate, glycerin, a capric glyceride, a caprylic glyceride, an alkyl lactate, an alkyl adipate, an isosorbide, and mixtures thereof. Preferred dermatological compositions made using these solvents with ascorbic acid and/or at least one of its derivatives also include dimethylaminoethanol, tyrosine, proline, cystine, a penetration enhancer such as oleic acid, urea or mixtures thereof, and at least one natural and/or chemical antioxidant. Natural antioxidants that contain at least about 50% polyphenols and 50% catachins such as grape seed or green tea extracts are employed in some embodiments.