formulations and methods for treating wounds utilizing these formulations are disclosed . the formulations accelerate wound healing by providing a unique serum - free cellular nutrient medium that supports wound healing of mammalian skin in the absence of protein growth factors . the protein - free composition contains physiological levels of a retinoid compound . this retinoid - containing composition enhances epidermal wound healing of both normal acute and chronic wounds by stimulating the growth of the adult epidermal keratinocytes without the need of any protein growth factors . the wound healing active composition may be used in combination with a topical wound gel preparation including both proteinaceous and non - proteinaceous biopolymers and hydrogels .