A Rejuvenating treatment targeting "tech neck" lines and wrinkles in Chinese women: A prospective, open-label, single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Aging of neck and jawline skin is caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors and is evidenced by wrinkling, laxity, skin dyspigmentation, loss of the mandibular contour, accumulation of submental fat, density loss, and prominent platysma bands. Early intervention with topical cosmeceuticals, especially in younger subjects with "tech neck," can offer a solution and potentially mitigate aging of the neck and jawline. AIM: The objective of this prospective, open-label, single-center clinical study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a topical anti-aging neck treatment (TNT) in a cohort of Chinese women with mild to moderate signs of aging on the neck and jawline. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was approved by an ethics committee and involved healthy Chinese subjects. Thirty-five female subjects, 25-50 years old, with mild to moderate signs of aging of the neck and jawline were recruited. Subjects applied the TNT to the neck and jawline twice daily for 84 days. Long-term efficacy and tolerability, clinical photography, bioinstrumentation, and a self-assessment questionnaire were performed at baseline and post-baseline. RESULTS: The TNT significantly improved horizontal neck fold lines and neck skin elasticity, hydration, gloss/radiance, and skin tone evenness post-baseline. Clinical photography and ultrasound corroborated these findings. The product was well perceived and well tolerated by subjects. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the TNT was effective against both extrinsic and intrinsic aging of the neck and jawline. The TNT provides a topical solution for Chinese women concerned with an aging appearance of the neck including "tech neck."

An Open-Label Study Evaluating the Periorbital Skin Rejuvenation Efficacy of a Cosmeceutical Containing Methyl Estradiolpropanoate (MEP) in Women With Estrogen Deficient Skin (EDS).

BACKGROUND: A cosmeceutical topical formulation containing a non-hormonal estrogen receptor activator, Methyl Estradiolpropanoate (MEP), has been developed to address periorbital skin aging in post-menopausal women with estrogen-deficient skin (EDS). OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Emepelle Eye Cream® (Biopelle, Ferndale Pharma Group, Ferndale, MI, USA) for the rejuvenation of the periorbital skin areas in women EDS. The secondary objectives were to assess the tolerability and satisfaction with Emepelle Eye Cream as assessed by the clinical investigator and the participants. METHODS: Clinical improvement (ie, change from baseline visit) to the end of study topical application in the periorbital areas were assessed by the clinical investigator using the clinician-rated quality of periorbital skin area visual scoring scale and by the participant using the participant’s self-evaluation of the quality of periorbital skin area questionnaire. Secondary objectives and endpoints were assessed using a subject Quality of Life (QoL) evaluation, a clinician- and a participant-evaluation of tolerability and side effects, and the C-GAIS and P-GAIS questionnaires. Baseline scores were compared to scores at the follow-up visits. RESULTS: Clinician evaluations included a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) rating of periorbital skin areas using a 6-point rating scale as well as tolerability and side effects. The averaged clinical GAIS improvement for all subjects who completed the study improved by 21%. The mean clinician GAIS score at study completion was 2.7, and 26 of the 31 subjects who completed the study showed improvement. A clinician GAIS score of 1 (very much improved) was observed in 3 study subjects. The averaged subject improvement results included improvements in each category at the primary endpoint. The subjects reported that their satisfaction with their periorbital appearance improved by 47% as compared to before treatment. The product was well tolerated by all subjects and no significant side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: In an open label study of 31 female subjects who had been amenorrheic for at least one year, topical application of Emepelle Eye Cream for periorbital skin rejuvenation was effective and well-tolerated. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(11):1185-1190. doi:10.36849/JDD.7279.

Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence.

Skin aging goes beyond a chronological process and also results from extrinsic factors referred to as the exposome. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the extracellular matrix, with loss starting at 25 years old. While many studies of HA concern topical use, few literature reviews only address the use of topical HA in dermatology. This review describes the different characteristics of HA-containing cosmeceuticals, with a focus on skin aging and the impact of exposome factors on HA synthesis and degradation. A review was performed using the terms HA, hyaluronan, topical, dermatology, cosmetic, aging treatment, exposome, and cosmeceuticals. Results are also presented from a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT), which investigated the additional benefit of using a HA epidermic filler (HA-filler serum) combined with Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) to treat signs of skin aging. Subjects were randomized to two groups: HA-filler serum starting 24 h after the BoNTA injection then twice daily for 24 weeks, or the control group, which received BoNTA. HA is a key ingredient used in cosmeceuticals for its hydration/antiaging properties (hygroscopic, rheological, and viscoelastic). Several clinical studies indicate that HA is both well tolerated and effective, adjuvant to both post-surgical and facial rejuvenation procedures. In the RCT, one of few studies to combine BoNTA and HA with a 6-month follow-up, the HA-filler serum lengthened the duration of BoNTA's effect in reducing wrinkles. Numerous studies support HA-based cosmeceuticals as a noninvasive, effective solution for improving skin hydration and rejuvenation.

Safety and efficacy of a new hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid as cosmeceutical for xerosis.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is among the most effective and safe ingredients frequently used in cosmetics. However, a more economical and efficient formulation is still required. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel hydrogel manufactured only by irradiation containing cross-linked HA and polyethylene glycol polymers with addition of polysiloxane. METHODS: The study included 30 people with normal skin and 30 patients with xerosis. In the normal skin group, to evaluate the safety, a patch test and a photopatch test were performed, and patients' discomfort was investigated. In those with xerosis, to assess the efficacy, a skin barrier function test was performed at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the application of the novel hydrogel. Additionally, the xerosis severity scale (XSS), patient satisfaction, Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), and adverse responses were evaluated. RESULTS: In the safety study, there was no significant discomfort in the experimental group compared with the control group. In the efficacy study, at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the application of the novel hydrogel, the mean value of skin hydration and sebum content increased and the mean value of XSS decreased with time in the experimental group, and a difference was observed when compared with the control group. IGA showed improvement in 97%, 77%, and 80% at each visit and the proportions of satisfied patients were 90%, 87%, and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The novel HA-based hydrogel tested herein could be a safe and effective therapeutic remedy for xerosis.

Herbal nanocosmecuticals: A review on cosmeceutical innovation.

BACKGROUND: Cosmeceuticals are drugs, cosmetics, or a combination of both. Cosmeceuticals are personal care products that not only beautify but also need to have healing, therapeutic, and disease-fighting characteristics. For decades, phytocompounds have been employed in cosmeceuticals and have shown potential in applications such as moisturizing, sunscreen, antiaging, and hair-based therapy. The inability of phytocompounds to easily penetrate through the skin and their instability limit their usage in cosmetic products. This can be overcome by incorporating nanotechnology into cosmetic products for a more stable and long-lasting release. Nanotechnology's substantial impact on the cosmetics industry is due to the improved properties attained by particles at the nano scale, such as color, solubility, and transparency. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, niosomes, and many varieties of nanoparticulate systems are commonly used in cosmetics. Safety concerns for the usage of nanomaterials in cosmeceuticals have been raised lately, hence causing the restriction on the use of nanomaterials by cosmetic companies and enforcing laws demanding thorough safety testing prior to market entry. AIM: This review focuses on the types of nanomaterials used in phytocosmetics, along with the potential hazards they pose to human life and the environment, and what legislation has been enacted or can be enacted to address them. METHODS: For relevant literature, a literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Nanotechnology, cosmeceuticals, herbal cosmetics, and other related topics were researched and evaluated in articles published between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS: Herbal drugs provide a tremendous range of therapeutic benefits. And when nanoparticles were introduced to the personal care industry, the quality of the final product containing phyto-compounds continued to rise. Unfortunately, because these nano components can permeate intact skin barriers and create unwanted consequences, this revolution comes with a slew of health risks. CONCLUSION: The cosmeceutical industry's expansion and growth in the application of herbal compounds, as well as the entrance of nanotechnology into the cosmeceuticals business, entail the urgent need for scientific research into their efficacy, safety profile, and use.

Implication of parabens in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals: Advantages and limitations.

Cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and variable healthcare products used parabens, among other excipients, for their preservative and antimicrobial activities. Paraben derivatives exhibit distinguished physiochemical properties that enable them to be compatible with the formulation of cosmetic agents in different dosage forms. In addition to their potency and efficacy, parabens are economically efficient as they have low-manufacturing costs. Despite the desirable characteristics, the safety of parabens use is controversial after detecting these chemicals in various biological tissues after repetitive and long-term use of formulations containing them. The use of parabens drew public health attention after scientific reports linked skin exposure to parabens with health issues, in particular, breast cancer. In response, worldwide authorities set regulations for the allowance concentrations of paraben to be used in variable cosmetic products.

Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-Based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin.

BACKGROUND: Patients with sensitive skin find topical retinoid use for anti-aging purposes challenging due to irritation. Bakuchiol, a meroterpene from the Psoralea corylifolia seed, has retinol functionality through retinol-like regulation of gene expression. OBJECTIVE: This research examined the tolerability, efficacy, and barrier effects of a nature-based bakuchiol-containing cleanser and moisturizer in subjects with sensitive skin. METHODS: 60 female subjects Fitzpatrick skin types I–V age 40–65 years with sensitive mild to moderate photodamaged skin were enrolled in this 4 week study. A sensitive skin panel was constructed: 1/3 eczema/atopic dermatitis, 1/3 rosacea, 1/3 cosmetic intolerance syndrome. Subjects used a nature-based cleanser and moisturizer twice daily and underwent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), corneometry, tolerability assessments, and efficacy assessments at baseline, 5–10 minutes post-application, and week 4. RESULTS: The skin care products were well tolerated and efficacious (P<0.001) in terms of investigator assessed improvement in visual smoothness, tactile smoothness, clarity, radiance, overall appearance, and global anti-aging. Cheek corneometry measurements demonstrated a statistically significant 16% increase in skin moisture content (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: A bakuchiol nature-based anti-aging moisturizer is well tolerated and effective in individuals with sensitive skin.J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(12): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5522.

The top 10 cosmeceuticals for facial hyperpigmentation.

Disorders of facial hyperpigmentation including melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and solar lentigines are common cutaneous conditions which can have a huge impact on patients' quality of life and often prove difficult to treat. The nascent market of cosmeceutical options provides a potentially safer and efficacious alternative for treating these challenging conditions. These can be used alone or in combination with other established treatments. Many cosmeceutical products are thought to work through inhibition of tyrosinase, a key enzyme of melanogenesis. We discuss the mode of action and provide an up-to-date review of the underlying evidence base for the top 10 cosmeceutical products for hyperpigmentation and melasma. Possible safer and more efficacious cosmeceutical therapies we discuss include thiamidol, kojic acid, vitamin C, arbutin, retinol, nicotinamide, ferulic acid, resorcinol, licorice root extract, and soy.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a moisture treatment cream containing three critical elements of natural skin moisturization.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate skin barrier and hydration effects of a new rebalancing moisture treatment (TRMT) and to assess efficacy and tolerability in subjects with photodamaged skin. METHODS: In an epidermal skin model, tissues (n = 5/group) were topically treated with 25 µL of TRMT, 25 µL of a market-leading moisturizer (MLM), or untreated for 60 minutes. Hydration was measured at 0, 15, and 30 minutes. Tissues were harvested for gene expression analysis of markers associated with skin barrier and hydration: Claudin (CLD), Aquaporin (AQP), Hyaluronic Acid Syntheses (HAS), and Hyaluronidase (HYAL). A clinical study evaluated twice-daily application of TRMT, assessing changes in fine lines/wrinkles, brightness, texture, erythema, and tolerability from baseline through week 8. Hydration was measured using electrical impedance. RESULTS: TRMT and MLM demonstrated significant increases in hydration vs untreated tissue at each timepoint (P < .005), with greater hydration effects observed for TRMT vs MLM. TRMT-treated tissues demonstrated greater expression of CLD, AQP, and HA, and reduced expression of HYAL vs untreated and MLM-treated tissues. Twice-daily application of TRMT demonstrated significant improvements at 2 weeks in fine lines/wrinkles (P < .001), brightness (P < .0001), texture (P < .0004), and hydration (P < .004). At 8 weeks, statistically significant improvements were achieved in all categories. CONCLUSION: In an epidermal skin model, TRMT demonstrated significant increases in hydration, greater hydration effects, and expression of key markers associated with skin barrier and hydration vs a MLM. Twice-daily application of TRMT was well tolerated and resulted in early, significant improvements in hydration and visible improvements in skin brightness, texture, fine lines/wrinkles, and erythema at 8 weeks.

Efficacy and safety of a 3-in-1 antiaging night facial serum containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate through clinical and histological analysis.

BACKGROUND: Changes induced by intrinsic and extrinsic photoaging result in signs of skin aging including altered pigmentation and wrinkles. A 3-in-1 night facial serum (NFS) was developed to treat skin aging by antioxidative and retinoid-like mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical and histological effects of the 3-in-1 NFS on signs of skin aging, clinically and histologically. METHODS & MATERIALS: Twenty-four subjects applied serum nightly for 12 weeks, and 12 subjects continued an extension study to 24 weeks. Clinical assessment of skin quality was performed by dermatologists. Skin biopsy was performed at 12 weeks to assess histological changes. RESULTS: There was a global aesthetic improvement over the duration of the study: +1.21 points at 12 weeks; +1.25 at 24 weeks. Skin texture, pigmentation, erythema, skin tone, complexion, lines, and wrinkles all significantly improved (P < .05). There was also a significant reduction in photodamage, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkle scores, most notably horizontal forehead expression lines, and marionette lines (P < .05 for all). Dermal and epidermal thickness increased without reaching statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The 3-in-1 NFS had clinically and statistically significant effects on signs of skin aging after 12 weeks, which became more pronounced after 24 weeks.

Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil.

OBJECTIVE: The moisturizing and irritation effects of sacha inchi oil were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: The moisturizing effect on the skin was clinically assessed using a regression study design. Sacha inchi oil or olive oil (benchmark) was applied on the left or right lower leg of the subjects for 14 days followed by application discontinuation for 2 days. The TEWL, skin moisture content and dryness appearance were observed. METHODS: The fatty acid composition and characteristics of cold-pressed sacha inchi seed oil were determined. Skin tissues cultured ex vivo were used to assess primary irritation induced by the oil by examining keratin 1 expression and TNF-α and IL-1α release from the oil-applied tissues. RESULTS: The sacha inchi oil contained 42.3% linolenic acid and 39.5% linoleic acid. This oil's saponification, iodine, acid and peroxide values were 168.58 ± 1.55 mg KOH/g, 203.00 ± 0.04 g I2 /100 g, 1.68 ± 0.03 mg KOH/g, and 1.95 ± 0.26 mEq peroxide/kg, respectively. Compared with nontreated skin tissues, induced secretion of TNF-α and IL-1α and disruption of keratin 1 integrity in the stratum corneum layer were not found in the sacha inchi oil-treated tissues. In a clinical study with 13 volunteers, the improvement in moisture content and skin dryness appearance at the sacha inchi oil-applied site was comparable with that observed at the olive oil-applied site. CONCLUSIONS: The sacha inchi oil was mild to the skin and benefited dry skin.

Novel interpenetrating polymer network provides significant and long-lasting improvements in hydration to the skin from different body areas.

BACKGROUND: Hydration and moisturization both impact skin quality, directly reflecting its appearance. Signs and onset of dehydration-related skin aging are region-specific and require tailored treatment to be effective. AIMS: To test the hydrating effects of formulas containing a novel 3-dimensional 3-polymer interpenetrating network (3D3P-IPN) to deliver humectants and actives to specific body sites. METHODS: Two clinical studies were conducted focused on the skin under eyes and body (arms/legs). Healthy women ages 25-65 (eyes) or 35-65 (body) with mild to moderate dry and aged skin were enrolled. Study product containing the 3D3P-IPN and tailored actives was applied twice daily for 8 weeks on the periorbital area and for 4 weeks on the body. Changes in skin attributes were measured by biophysical instrumentation for hydration, dark circles, skin color, elasticity and transepidermal water loss, and by clinical grading and subject self-assessment. RESULTS: Significant improvements in hydration and skin smoothing were demonstrated in both studies. In the periorbital region, actives and humectants delivered by the 3D3P-IPN also led to significant improvements in dark circles, fine lines/crow's feet, puffiness, restoring radiance, and overall younger-looking appearance. On the arms and legs, there were significant reductions in crepiness and dullness. The arms and legs also had improvements in tactile and visual skin texture, radiance, and general healthy look. Improvements were immediate and persisted through the end of both studies. CONCLUSION: The 3D3P-IPN provides immediate and long-lasting improvements in skin hydration and overall healthy appearance regardless of the targeted application site.

A cleanser formulated with Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane and l-arginine significantly improves facial acne in male Thai subjects.

BACKGROUND: Acne is one of the most common skin problems among human populations. A facial cleanser formulated with alkyl ether carboxylate (AEC) and alkyl carboxylate (AC) can improve acne by cleansing sebum on facial skin but cannot effectively remove keratotic plugs in the skin pores. Recently, we confirmed that Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane and L-arginine (Tris/Arg) is able to reduce sebum levels, disrupt keratotic plugs in vitro and decrease pore size on facial skin. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of the Tris/Arg-formulated cleanser with the AEC/AC cleanser in Thai subjects with acne. METHODS: We designed a randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel trial. Thirty-four male Thai subjects with mild to moderate acne were assigned to one of two groups: one group used the Tris/Arg cleanser while the other used the AEC/AC-based cleanser twice a day for 4 weeks. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, significant decreases in noninflammatory acne were observed in both groups, yet significant decreases in inflammatory acne were only observed in the Tris/Arg cleanser group. The sebum level prior to and 30 minutes after facial washing showed no change in either group. The average pore size with keratotic plugs on the cheeks was significantly decreased in the Tris/Arg group. More than half of subjects in both groups observed acne improvement but more subjects in the Tris/Arg group noted pore size improvement. CONCLUSION: The Tris/Arg formulated cleanser has a high efficacy for significantly reducing both noninflammatory and inflammatory acne accompanied by decreases in pore size with keratotic plugs in male Thai subjects.

Efficacy of liposome-encapsulated 4-n-butylresorcinol and resveratrol cream in the treatment of melasma.

BACKGROUNDS: We previously reported the efficacy of 0.1% 4-n-butylresorcinol (4nBR) cream in the treatment melasma and synergistic effect of 4nBR and resveratrol (RSV) to inhibit melanogenesis in vitro. AIMS: To evaluate efficacy and safety of a cream which contains liposome-encapsulated 4nBR and RSV in the treatment of melasma. PATIENTS/METHODS: A total of 21 female patients with melasma were treated with the cream for 4 weeks. At baseline, week 2, and week 4, melanin index (MI) of the lesional and preauricular nonlesional skin was measured and two blinded, independent dermatologists assessed the overall severity by 5-point scale. RESULTS: The lesional MI was significantly decreased at weeks 2 and 4 compared with the baseline while no significant change in the nonlesional MI was observed throughout the study. The mean investigator's global assessment score was also significantly improved at weeks 2 and 4. In patient's self-assessment, 8 (38.1%) and 11 (52.3%) patients answered moderate to significant improvement in their melasma at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: The cream containing liposome-encapsulated 4nBR and RSV was shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of melasma with its effect appearing as early as 2 weeks.

Advances in dermatology using DNA aptamer "Aptamin C" innovation: Oxidative stress prevention and effect maximization of vitamin C through antioxidation.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) plays a critical role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction and cell regeneration by protecting cell from oxidative stress. Although vitamin C is widely used in cosmetic and therapeutic markets, there is considerable evidence that vitamin C easily undergoes oxidation by air, pH, temperature, and UV light upon storage. This deficiency of vitamin C decreases its potency as an antioxidant and reduces the shelf-life of products containing vitamin C as its ingredient. To overcome the deficiency of vitamin C, we have developed Aptamin C, an innovative DNA aptamer maximizing the antioxidant efficacy of vitamin C by binding to the reduced form of vitamin C and delaying its oxidation. METHODS: Binding of Aptamin C with vitamin C was determined using ITC analysis. ITC experiment was performed 0.2 mmol/L vitamin C that was injected 25 times in 2 µL aliquots into the 1.8 mL sample cell containing the Aptamin C at a concentration of 0.02 mmol/L. The data were fitted to a one-site binding isotherm using with origin program for ITC v.5.0. RESULTS: To investigate the effect of Aptamin C and vitamin C complex in human skins, both in vitro and clinical tests were performed. We observed that the complex of Aptamin C and vitamin C was significantly effective in wrinkle improvement, whitening effect, and hydration increase. In the clinical test, subjects treated with the complex showed dramatic improvement in skin irritation and itching. No adverse reaction was presented by Aptamin C complex in the test. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results showed that Aptamin C, an innovative novel compound, should potentially be served as a key cosmeceutical ingredient for a range of skin conditions.

A high-emollient liquid cleanser for very dry and atopic-prone skin: Results of an in-use tolerance and efficacy study conducted under dermatological, pediatric, and ophthalmological supervision.

BACKGROUND: Emollients play a key role in the treatment of eczematous lesions and xerosis such as in atopic dermatitis. However, studies that show the actual benefits of cleansers are few and far between. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of a high-emollient liquid cleanser (HELC) designed for very dry and atopic-prone skin, in the absence of any additional skin care. The product is a soap-free and fragrance-free liquid cleanser, containing mild surfactants and a ternary system of selected emollients: glycerin, vaseline, and paraffin. METHODS: In-use study was conducted under dermatological, pediatric, and ophthalmological supervision in 50 subjects (infants, children, and adults) with "dry to very dry and atopic-prone" skin. The primary objective of this monocentric, open, and intra-individual study was to assess the dermatological and ophthalmological tolerance of HELC after 21 days of using it at least once a day on the face and body. The secondary objectives were to evaluate its efficacy based on a clinical score (SCORAD), assess its short- and long-term moisturizing effect by measuring hydration rates (Corneometer® ), and ascertain its cosmetic acceptability through a subjective evaluation questionnaire. RESULTS: The study validates the good dermatological and ophthalmological tolerance of HELC. Its efficacy was demonstrated by improvements in the SCORAD and moisturizing scores. Furthermore, the product was very well accepted by the subjects. CONCLUSION: The fragrance-free HELC tested in this study for 21 days on "dry to very dry and atopic-prone skin" improves skin dryness and pruritus while ensuring good tolerance.

Novel topical dermal repair: A clinical analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing interest in and demand for noninvasive anti-aging treatments, and cosmeceuticals are an effective adjunct treatment to in-office cosmetic treatments. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the short-term cosmetic benefits of a topical anti-wrinkle cream (Ultrascript Dermal Regenesis, Montclair, NJ) and a topical evening DNA repair serum (Dermal DNA Repair Serum with the active ingredient AC-11 from Optigenex INC). METHODS: Fourteen women of all Fitzpatrick skin types were randomized to receive either the topical anti-wrinkle cream (AM cream) only or the AM cream and the topical evening DNA repair serum (PM serum) for 16 weeks. Subjects noted their subjective improvement in wrinkles, pore size, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin quality. Two blinded physicians evaluated the appearance of wrinkles pre- and postapplication of the AM cream. RESULTS: Participants who applied the AM cream only reported subjective improvement in wrinkles and overall quality of their skin. Immediate improvement of wrinkles was seen after the application of the AM cream. Subjects who applied both the AM cream and PM serum noted improvement in pore size. CONCLUSION: This novel anti-wrinkle cream is a safe and effective topical treatment for the immediate, but short-term improvement of wrinkles. Prolonged use of the cream and continued follow-up may show additional long-term benefits.

Mushroom ethanolic extracts as cosmeceuticals ingredients: Safety and ex vivo skin permeation studies.

Mushrooms are important sources of natural bioactive compounds that are increasingly used as cosmeceutical ingredients. In this context, ethanolic extracts were prepared from Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus and tested by incorporation into base cosmetic creams. In vitro safety evaluation of the extracts and cosmetic formulations prepared therefore was carried out using the MTT and LDH assays in keratinocyte (HaCaT) and fibroblast (HFF-1) cell lines. Moreover, they were submitted to ex vivo skin permeation studies using a Franz diffusion apparatus with pig ear skin as permeation membrane. The results showed the absence of toxicity for keratinocytes and fibroblasts in a concentration dependent manner, which is indicative of the safety of these extracts for cosmeceutical ingredients purposes. Protocatechuic and syringic acids were the only compounds permeating from G. lucidum extract in the first 8 h of study, no penetration was observed for phenolic acids found in P. ostreatus extract and formulation. These results pointed out for the suitability of using mushroom extracts as skin care ingredients and may contribute for the valorisation of wastes generated by the mushroom processing industry, which can serve as raw-materials for the obtainment of the extracts.

An insight into toxicity and human-health-related adverse consequences of cosmeceuticals - A review.

In recent years, the use of cosmeceutical-based personal care and beauty products has ever increased, around the world. Currently, an increasing number of compounds are being assimilated in the formulation of cosmetic products as preservatives, fragrances, surfactants, etc. to intensify the performance, quality, value, and lifespan of cosmetics. Nevertheless, many of these chemical additives pose toxic effects to the human body, exhibiting health risks from a mild hypersensitivity to life-threatening anaphylaxis or lethal intoxication. Therefore, the indiscriminate application of cosmeceuticals has recently become a mounting issue confronting public health. The present review focuses on exposure to a large variety of toxic substances used in cosmetic formulations such as 1,4-dioxane formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, benzalkonium chloride, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, trace heavy metals, parabens derivatives, phthalates, isothiazolinone derivatives (methylchloroiso-thiazolinone, and methylisothiazolinone), methyldibromo glutaronitrile, and phenoxy-ethanol. The biological risks related to these substances that they can pose to human health in terms of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, neurotoxicity oestrogenicity or others are also discussed. Researchers from academia, consultancy firms, governmental organizations, and cosmetic companies should carry out further progress to keep updating the consumers regarding the dark-sides, and health-related harmful apprehensions of cosmetics. In addition, the industry-motivated initiatives to abate environmental impact through green, sustainable and eco-friendly product development grasp significant perspective.