ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: The cellular surface modification of superficial epidermal keratinocytes can induce immediate skin tensioning effects and may improve signs of skin aging. Tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine (THPE) is an active that has been described to induce keratinocytes' morphological changes in vitro. We conducted an in vivo study to assess anti-aging clinical benefits of a THPE-containing product. METHODS: An eight-week double-blind, randomized intra-individual placebo controlled clinical study was performed to evaluate the clinical benefits of a 2.5% THPE-containing cream. This study included 41 Caucasian women who received the THPE cream product on one side of the face and a placebo cream on the other side daily. Evaluations were performed at baseline, 45 minutes after first application, week 4 and week 8 and included clinical examination and digital photography. RESULTS: The study demonstrated the immediate lifting effect of a 2.5% THPE-containing cream. Forty-five minutes after a single application on the face, as the skin surface smoothed out, light reflection was modified: healthy glow and radiance of the skin were significantly improved (respectively 22.9% and 40% of improvement) and skin yellowishness was reduced (7.1%). Notably, the THPE-treated side was significantly lifted, both immediately after product application (8.1%) and after 8 weeks of application (14%), compared to the placebo-treated side. CONCLUSION: This clinical study demonstrated that the effect of a 2.5% THPE-containing cream on the keratinocytes cells leads to an immediate and long-term clinical improvement of the skin appearance (radiance and skin firmness, skin lifting) and can therefore be considered as a new anti-aging cosmetic active.
