The influence of the vehicle on release and simulated absorption of methyl nicotinate (MN) was evaluated using in vitro systems in order to find a correlation with data previously obtained in vivo. Simulation of drug absorption was carried out using a porous polymer membrane soaked with lipophilic phases such as n-dodecanol and isopropyl myristate. Ointment composition influenced differently both release and absorption of MN independent of drug concentration. The degree of skin redness induced by MN was found to be significantly correlated to in vitro simulated drug absorption but not to in vitro drug release.