Mechanistic perspectives on the dermatologic potential of topical metformin: A scoping review

Nilam,Ellia; Gunadi,Julia Windi; Hidayat,Meilinah

doi:10.3892/wasj.2025.384

Mechanistic perspectives on the dermatologic potential of topical metformin: A scoping review

Authors:
- Ellia Nilam
- Julia Windi Gunadi
- Meilinah Hidayat
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Affiliations: Master Program of Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, West Java 40164, Indonesia
Published online on: August 5, 2025 https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.384
Article Number: 96
Copyright : © Nilam et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

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Abstract

Metformin, a first‑line anti‑diabetic agent, has recently gained attention for its topical application in dermatology due to its pleiotropic pharmacological effects beyond glucose control. These include anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‑photoaging and wound‑healing properties that suggest promising roles in skin health. The present scoping review aimed to map and synthesize existing experimental and clinical evidence on mechanistic pathways and the therapeutic potential of topical metformin in dermatologic applications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and PubMed databases for studies published between 2014 and 2024, using predefined inclusion criteria including key words, such as ‘topical metformin’, ‘topical metformin and skin aging’ and ‘topical metformin and dermatologic’. Data were extracted from 19 eligible studies, including in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials. The findings revealed that topical metformin inhibited melanogenesis by downregulating microphthalmia‑associated transcription factor expression and related pathways, it promoted collagen synthesis and angiogenesis in wound models, and exerted anti‑photoaging effects through oxidative stress modulation and enhanced autophagy. Additionally, it exhibited antitumor activity in melanoma and clinical efficacy in treating conditions, such as melasma and acne vulgaris with minimal adverse effects. Advanced delivery systems, such as hydrogels and nanofibers, have further improved the bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes. On the whole, as demonstrated herein, topical methods have emerged as a safe, multi‑targeted agent with broad dermatological utility. Nevertheless, further well‑designed clinical trials are warranted to establish long‑term safety, optimal dosage and formulation strategies for human use.

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