To undertake a systematic review of all reliable evaluations of the clinical performance and cost-effectiveness of a film-forming liquid acrylate in the protection of the chronic ulcer peri-wound skin. Results from searches were scrutinised by two reviewers to identify possible randomised controlled trials and full reports of these were obtained. Details of eligible studies were extracted and summarised independently by two reviewers using a data extraction sheet. Meta-analysis was used to combine the results of trials where the interventions and outcome measures were sufficiently similar. A total of nine eligible studies were identified. The review reveals that a liquid-film forming acrylate (Cavilon no-sting barrier film, 3M, Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a safe and effective skin barrier to protect the peri-wound area of chronic ulcers. There is no difference between the protective properties of different barrier methods that are used to protect the peri-wound skin around chronic ulcers. Compared with no treatment or a placebo, this liquid film-forming acrylate has a significant impact on the integrity of the peri-wound skin. In addition, it has significant benefits in terms of pain control and patient comfort, and its use may reduce nursing time.