Set forth herein is a preparation of ibuprofen (2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid) in the free acid form that is suitable for topical administration. The topical ibuprofen formulation is prepared by dissolving the free acid form of ibuprofen, or preparing a homogeneous suspension of the free acid form of ibuprofen, in the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent so as to produce a topical drug formulation compatible with the penetration of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid through the skm tissue Topical formulations of ibuprofen can be based on pharmaceutically acceptable solvent such as, e g, a pyrrohdone solvent or dimethylacetamide
