Antioxidant, Anti-photoaging, and Anti-wrinkle Effects of Cosmetics Containing Low-molecular-weight Peptide Complexes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to confirm the skin improvement effects of cosmetics containing low-molecular-weight peptide complexes using <i>in vitro</i> and human application tests.Methods: An <i>in vitro</i> test was conducted to confirm the cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti-photoaging effects of cosmetics comprising low-molecular-weight peptide complexes. The protective effect on HacaT cells subjected to oxidative stress and collagen production in CCD-986sk cells irradiated with UV-B (Ultraviolet B) were confirmed. Moreover, to validate skin improvement effects, a human application test was performed on 20 adults aged 30–59 years. The wrinkles depth and the indentation index around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and mouth were evaluated using ANTERA 3D CS.Results: The test material demonstrated excellent cell viability, confirming its safety on the skin. At a concentration of 0.1%, it exhibited a removal rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 63.39% (<i>p</i><0.001) and an increase in collagen content of 102.14% (<i>p</i><0.01). Furthermore, in the human application test over 4 weeks, skin folds exhibited a decrease in average depth by 20.53% (<i>p</i><0.001), and the indentation index decreased by 17.02% (<i>p</i><0.001).Conclusion: Cosmetics containing low-molecular-weight peptide complexes possess excellent antioxidant, anti-photoaging, and collagen synthesis promotion properties. Their efficacy in reducing skin wrinkles and increasing skin elasticity was also confirmed. Low-molecular-weight peptide complexes could be an excellent active ingredient in cosmeceuticals.