BACKGROUND: Acne is one of the most infectious diseases related to human skin. This disease of acne is of higher prevalence in adults. The main causative organism involved in the acne vulgaris is Propionibacterium acne, which leads to sebum production and follicular hyperkeratinization. METHODS: The scientific data shows inflammatory mediators of genetic factors, stress, physiological factor, androgens and hormonal changes; all these factors play a major part in the pathophysiology of acne. Several drugs are currently available for the treatment of Acne like bactericidal, antibiotic and several others which are directly or indirectly involved in the eradication of acne. RESULTS: Nanocarrier systems including liposomes, niosomes, microsponges, nano-emulsion and micro-emulsion, microspheres and solid lipid nanoparticles have emerged as a successful treatment for acne. In this article, the authors have laid special emphasis on these nanocarriers and the study of various patents based on novel technologies in this field. The entrapment of the anti-acne drug molecule into a particular nanocarrier system has been shown to enhance patient compliance and reduction in side-effects. CONCLUSION: The present review article provides an overview of the mechanism, advantages, drawbacks and various patents associated with the nanocarrier systems involved in acne treatment. Some state of the art patented and novel technologies such as stem cell secretion technology, sol-gel technology incorporating microcapsules and ultrasound delivery of nanoparticles for acne treatment, are also briefly discussed. The patent study on these nanocarriers was done through the worldwide database of the United States patent office, European patent office and several other official patent information websites.