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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.