<p>The current study was aimed to develop and optimize a propellant-free, herbal rutin-loaded film-forming spray (FFS) for wound healing, utilizing a chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymeric matrix. Rutin was solubilized in ethanol and incorporated into a polymeric solution of chitosan and PVA, with propylene glycol serving as a plasticizer and permeation enhancer. A Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to optimize the formulation. The resulting film forming spray was characterized for various physicochemical properties such as viscosity, drug release, spray angle, breaking strength, average weight per dose, biodegradability study and in vivo study in rats using excision wound model. The FFS demonstrated physicochemical characteristics, including rapid drying, uniform spray pattern, and appropriate viscosity 14.7 cp. and immediate drug release 97% for topical application. The spray angle at 70 ± 3° provided a broad surface coverage when sprayed at a distance of 14–15&#xa0;cm, suitable for covering 201 ± 11 cm² wound area. In vivo wound healing in Wistar rats conducted over 21 days, showed 99.74% contraction with the test versus 97.88% and 65.55% in the standard and control groups, respectively. Thus, significantly accelerated wound contraction was observed in the test group as compared to both standard and control. The propellant-free rutin-loaded FFS offers a patient-friendly, effective alternative for topical wound care, demonstrating significant potential in promoting wound healing.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>