Clinical evaluation of liposome-based gel formulation containing glycolic acid for the treatment of photodamaged skin

Background: Long contact of UV causes skin damage. Glycolic acid (GA) as an alpha hydroxy acid is used to treat photodamaged skin. However, GA leads to side effects including; burning, erythema and peeling.Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a controlled delivery systems loading GA in order to increasing its efficacy and lowering its side effects.Methods: Liposomes were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, size and morphology. Optimized formulation was dispersed in HPMC gel bases and drug release kinetics were also studied. Clinical efficacy and safety of GA-loaded liposomal gel and GA gel formulation were evaluated in patients with photodamaged skin.Results: The EE% and average particle size of liposomes were 64 +/- 2.1 % and 317 +/- 3.6 nm, respectively. SEM image showed that liposomes were spherical in shape. In vitro release kinetics of GA from both formulations followed Weibull model. Clinical evaluation revealed that GA-loaded liposomal gel was more effective than GA gel formulation. Treatment with GA-loaded liposomal gel resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the scores of hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkling and lentigines. Moreover, liposomal gel formulation was able to minimize side effects of GA.Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the liposome-based gel formulation can be used as potential drug delivery system to enhance permeation of GA through skin layers and also reduce its side effects.