The release of Diclofenac sodium from transdermal gels was studied using the skin stripping method. The tape stripping method in its standardized form is well-suited to determine the dermatopharmacokinetics of topically applied substances. The tape strips contain the amount of corneocytes and the corresponding amount of the penetrated Diclofenac sodium formulation, which was determined by UV spectroscopic method. Simple, rapid, sensitive and accurate UV- Spectrophotometric methods have been developed for estimation of Diclofenac Sodium in stratum corneum. Diclofenac sodium exhibited distinct __ampersandsignlambda;max in methanol at 285nm. Linearity was observed in the concentration range 2-24 __ampersandsignmu;g/ml. (r2 =0.9845). Amounts of drug estimated from gel formulation applied on skin and recovered through tape stripping method were in good agreement with label claim. The UV spectroscopic method was validated statistically and by recovery studies. The proposed methods are economical and sensitive for the estimation of Diclofenac sodium present in stratum corneum, when applied topically.