The present invention is drawn to formulations for the transdermal delivery of rapamycin or other related compounds. Specifically, in one embodiment a formulation for transdermally delivering rapamycin includes an mTOR inhibitor, such as rapamycin, water, a polymer having surfactant properties, a polymer having thickening properties, a solvent for solubilizing the mTOR inhibitor, a glycol, a C10-C20 fatty acid; and a base.