Skin Improvement Efficacy of Microspicule Cosmetics Containing Low-molecular-weight Peptide Complexes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to scientifically confirm the skin improvement efficacy of microspicule cosmetics containing low-molecular-weight peptide complexes and present them for the development of transdermal delivery system-based cosmetics. Methods: An in vitro test was conducted to confirm the cytotoxicity and melanin synthesis inhibition rate of the emulsion containing the low-molecular-weight peptide complex in B16F10 cells. Based on the obtained results, a human application test was conducted on 20 adults aged 30–59 years to compare and confirm the skin improvement effects of the cosmetics. Each skin improvement index was evaluated using ANTERA 3D CS, Corner and pH meter, Vapometer. Results: In the in vitro test, the test material exhibited excellent cell viability, and at 0.1% concentration, the melanogenesis inhibition rate was approximately 23.62% (p<0.001). Moreover, in the human application test conducted over 4 weeks, both the experimental group treated with microspicules and the comparison group showed significant improvements in skin whitening, pore improvement, and skin barrier enhancement from the emulsion containing low-molecular-weight peptide complexes. Remarkably, the experimental group demonstrated significantly better results in all parameters than the comparison group, with differences in efficacy that became increasingly obvious over time. Conclusion: Microspicule cosmetics containing low-molecular-weight peptide complexes demonstrated superior skin whitening efficacy, pore improvement, and skin barrier enhancement. These data confirmed that applying microspicules, refined using proprietary techniques, as a transdermal delivery system promotes the transdermal absorption of active ingredients and further strengthens the skin barrier. We expect to provide a foundational framework for establishing the optimal spicule purification techniques and ratio of cosmetic contents to ensure skin safety as well as promoting the transdermal delivery of bioactive substances.