Bioderived deep eutectic solvent-based topical chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

•Controlling the molar ratio of choline to geranic acid in a choline and geranic acid (CAGE) deep eutectic solvent (DES) led to anticancer properties.•CAGE DES reduced the viability of skin cancer cells without harming normal cells.•CAGE DES did not trigger the expression of biomarkers of inflammation.•CAGE DES did not rupture the cell membrane but increased oxidative stress on cancer cells.•CAGE had the potential for application in anti-squamous cell carcinoma chemotherapy.