 Lipid nanoparticles, LNPs, have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential applications in drug delivery, research, cosmetics and clinical medicine. Solid lipid nanoparticles, SLNs and nanostructured lipid carriers, NLCs are two major types of LNPs that offer advantages such as good release profile, targeted drug delivery and excellent physical stability. NLCs are modified SLNs that improve stability and capacity loading. Three structural models of NLCs have been proposed and this article discusses their features, structure, preparation methods, advantages, disadvantages and applications with a focus on SLNs and NLCs. This article was authored by Nata Nazary, Hati Valizata and Parven Zikiri Milani.