Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based microneedle patch has recently been studied for wrinkle improvement. Cross-linked HA (CLHA) is widely used in dermal fillers. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (AHP-8) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are used for cosmetic ingredients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the efficacy of the CLHA/HA-based patch with microstructure (microneedle patch) containing AHP-8 or EGF. METHODS: A total of 52 Korean females were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, controlled, split-face trial. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: (1) microneedle patch alone, (2) microneedle patch/AHP-8, and (3) microneedle patch/EGF. The treatment was applied on the periorbital and nasolabial fold area for 4 hours to completely dissolve the microstructures once per week for 29 days. Evaluations, including photodamage scoring, image analysis with Antera 3D® (Miravex, Ireland), skin hydration measurement, and adverse effect assessments, were performed at each visit. RESULTS: Fifty subjects (96.2%) completed this clinical study. On day 29 after application, statistically significant improvements in wrinkle and skin hydration were observed in all groups (p<0.01). Treatment with microneedle patch/AHP-8 and microneedle patch/EGF showed statistically significant improvements in wrinkle compared with microneedle patch alone (p<0.05). No serious adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Combination of CLHA-based microneedle patch and functional cosmetic ingredients can improve wrinkle with minimal discomfort.