Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of bee venom as cosmetic active

Abstract

Objective: Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a treatment for facial skin through a cream which contains Bee Venom (BV). Methods: BV was added to a cream for treating facial skin as an active component. Dosification of the melittin contents of BV was previously done. A medical cosmetologist performed the skin evaluation of 30 volunteers, who passed a BV irritation test and non-inclusion criteria. The clinical evaluation was carried out by evaluating the appearance of the state of skin by means of different indexes and quantifying fifteen attributes of the skin with 9-point scales, before starting the treatment, at 14 and 28 days. Results: Participants were sorted in two clusters (C1 and C2) taking into account their skin state at the beginning of the study. Clusters were differentiated in age and photodamage, resulting that C2 participants were with better skin conditions. During treatment, both clusters increased their hydration, smoothness, firmness, lightness, youthful appearance, healthy appearance and general state of the skin. Moreover, C1 presented a decrease in depth of facial wrinkles and C2 an increase in elasticity and facial oval definition. The volunteers showed an excellent tolerance to treatment and high scores of satisfaction. Conclusion: The methology that was used resulted suitable in classifying facial skin of the volunteers as well as assessing the treatment outcomes using a cream with BV during 28 days. The BV, as an active cosmetic, contributed to improve the state of facial skin.