This study aimed at in vitro evaluation of alpha-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery, which was prepared by hot high-pressure homogenisation. Stable particles could be formed and particle size was 148.54 +/- 2.31 nm with polydispersity index below 0.15. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of alpha-lipoic acid were 95.23 +/- 0.45% and 2.81 +/- 0.37%. Antioxidant study showed alpha-lipoic acid could be protected by lipid nanocapsules without loss of antioxidant activity. Sustained release of alpha-lipoic acid from lipid nanocapsules was obtained and cumulative release was 62.18 +/- 1.51%. In vitro percutaneous study showed the amount of alpha-lipoic acid distributed in skin was 1.7-fold than permeated. Cytotoxicity assay and antioxidant activity on L929 cells indicated this formulation had low cytotoxicity and ability of protecting cells from oxidative damage within specific concentration. These studies suggested alpha-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules could be potential formulation for topical delivery.