In accordance with the present disclosure, there are provided formulations comprising: (a) at least one active agent; (b) an oil, and optionally a thickener therefor; (c) an organic solvent, and a thickener therefor; and (d) an oil and/or solvent soluble skin penetration enhancer; wherein: said formulation comprises <;10 wt % water; and said formulation optionally forms a thixotropic thinning gel. Also provided are gels comprising oil and organic solvent, methods for preparing same and methods for the topical delivery of an active agent to a subject in need thereof.