Gum rosin and its derivatives have been used traditionally in coatings and adhesives and are now increasingly applied in diverse medical and pharmaceutical fields. Owing to its film-forming ability, hydrophobic nature, biocompatibility, and ease of chemical modification, gum rosin has emerged as a promising excipient for controlled drug release, targeted drug delivery, and other biomedical applications. This review summarizes the evolution of gum rosin applications, from its conventional roles to its modern utilization in nanocarriers, transdermal systems, and other advanced drug delivery platforms. In addition, we discuss the challenges related to allergenicity, brittleness, and excessive hydrophobicity and propose strategies (such as chemical modification and polymer blending) to overcome these issues. This review provides a reference framework for researchers developing new rosin-based materials in pharmaceutical sciences.

Gum rosin and its derivatives have been used traditionally in coatings and adhesives and are now increasingly applied in diverse medical and pharmaceutical fields. Owing to its film‐forming ability, hydrophobic nature, biocompatibility, and ease of chemical modification, gum rosin has emerged as a promising excipient for controlled drug release, targeted drug delivery, and other biomedical applications. This review summarizes the evolution of gum rosin applications—from its conventional roles to its modern utilization in nanocarriers, transdermal systems, and other advanced drug delivery platforms. In addition, we discuss the challenges related to allergenicity, brittleness, and excessive hydrophobicity and propose strategies—such as chemical modification and polymer blending—to overcome these issues. This review provides a reference framework for researchers developing new rosin‐based materials in pharmaceutical sciences.

Acne patches provide a convenient site-specific approach for topical acne treatment. However, their rapid drug release may limit sustained drug availability at the affected site. This study integrates the synthesis, comprehensive characterization, molecular docking simulation, and in vitro evaluation of a lignin:chitosan:agarose composite hydrogel designed as a short-term sustained release vehicle for salicylic acid in acne treatment. The hydrogel exhibited a soft, stable texture with a highly porous micro-structure, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, thereby facilitating efficient drug loading and controlled release. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated strong intermolecular interactions among the hydrogel components and salicylic acid. Antibacterial testing demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against Cutibacterium acnes, the primary pathogen in acne symptoms. In vitro release studies showed approximately 96% cumulative release of salicylic acid over 6 hours, suitable for prolonged topical application, such as anti-acne patches. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed stable hydrogen-bonding interactions between salicylic acid and the active site of C. acnes lipase (PDB ID: 6KHM), suggesting potential enzymatic inhibition. These findings highlight the lignin:chitosan:agarose hydrogel as a promising biocompatible platform for controlled salicylic acid delivery with dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, advancing its potential as an effective anti-acne patch.