Formulation, characterization, and efficacy of an adenosine-containing dissolvable film for a localized anti-wrinkle effect.

A water-dissolvable film was developed to topically deliver adenosine for a localized anti-wrinkle effect. The polymers used to produce the film were cellulose derivatives. An aqueous mixture of the film components was made, coated on a liner, and then dried to form a solid film. No preservatives were added and the film was shown to be stable over time. The film quickly dissolves in water to form a uniform layer at the surface of the skin, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. The film layer can still be visualized on the wrinkle six hours after being applied on the skin. A randomized, placebo-controlled, investigator-blind study was conducted in female volunteers to assess the efficacy of the 1% adenosine-containing dissolvable film. After three weeks and eight weeks, a twice daily application led to a significant decrease in the skin roughness parameters as observed using fast optical in vivo topometry (FOITS). These results demonstrate that water-dissolvable films may be used as novel, preservative-free, cosmetic delivery systems.