The clinical anti-aging effects of topical kinetin and niacinamide in Asians: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative trial

• Published in: Journal of cosmetic dermatology Vol. 6; no. 4; pp. 243 - 249
• Main Authors: Chiu, Pin-Chi, Chan, Chih-Chieh, Lin, Hui-Min, Chiu, Hsien-Ching
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01.12.2007
• Subjects: Administration, Cutaneous; Adult; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; cosmeceuticals; Dermatologic Agents - administration & dosage; Dermatologic Agents - therapeutic use; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; kinetin (N6-furfuryladenine); Kinetin - administration & dosage; Kinetin - therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; niacinamide; Niacinamide - administration & dosage; Niacinamide - therapeutic use; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Aging; Taiwan; Treatment Outcome; Taiwan
• ISSN: 1473-2130; 1473-2165; 1473-2165
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00342.x

Summary Background  Kinetin and niacinamide are used in the cosmetic industry as anti‐aging agents. Neither the interactive/additive effects of these compounds nor the anti‐aging efficacy on Asian skin has been studied. Objective  To assess the clinical anti‐aging effects and efficacy differences between kinetin plus niacinamide and niacinamide alone vs. vehicle placebo in an Asian cohort. Methods  Fifty‐two Taiwanese subjects were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, split‐face comparative study. Group 1 subjects were treated with kinetin 0.03% plus niacinamide 4%, whereas group 2 subjects received niacinamide 4%. The treatment formulation was applied on one side of the face, whereas a placebo was applied on the other for a period of 12 weeks. We used noninvasive biometrological instruments to evaluate a variety of skin parameters at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Results  Persistent and significant reductions in spot, pore, wrinkle, and evenness counts were found at weeks 8 and 12 in group 1. A significant increase in corneal hydration status was also evident at week 12, whereas persistent decreases in erythema index were apparent at 8 and 12 weeks. In group 2, significant reductions in pore and evenness counts at week 8 and wrinkle counts at week 12 were noted. Conclusion  We found kinetin and niacinamide exert a synergistic anti‐aging effect. Our data suggest that these compounds have multiactive, multifunctional, and pluripotent effects on skin. They are also both promising to be included in the cutaneous anti‐aging cosmeceuticals in the future.