Clinical and Instrumental Evaluation of the Anti-Aging Effectiveness of a Cream Based on Hyaluronic Acid and a Cream Based on Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C: A Prospective, Multicenter, 8-Week, Parallel-Group Randomized Study on 91 Subjects
Introduction: Skin aging is a multifaceted process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, resulting in visible changes such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely recognized for its hydrating and structural support properties, while Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant and depigmenting effects. This study investigated the anti-aging efficacy of two topical formulations containing Jalubalance® technology—HA delivered in Opuntia oil—with or without 1% Vitamin C. Background/Objectives: We conducted an 8-week, multicenter, randomized trial involving 91 women aged 30–50 years with mild-to-moderate photoaging. Participants were assigned to apply either HA-only cream (Group A) or a HA + Vitamin C cream (Group B) twice daily. The primary outcome was the percentage of subjects who achieved an improvement of at least one point in the hyperpigmentation score from baseline to week 8. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical and instrumental effects of both treatments, with a particular focus on improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and pigmentation. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements across all measured parameters, including Glogau scores, wrinkle reduction, and skin elasticity. Instrumental analysis confirmed increased hydration and elasticity. Group B showed a significantly greater reduction in hyperpigmentation (−45%) compared to Group A (−31%, p < 0.05). At week 8, a ≥1-point reduction in hyperpigmentation score was observed in 56% of subjects in Group B and 30% in Group A (absolute difference: 26%; 95% CI: 5–43%; p < 0.05), highlighting the added benefit of Vitamin C on this parameter. Participant satisfaction was high, especially for the moisturization and brightening effects of both products. Conclusions: The topical application of Jalubalance-based creams effectively reduced signs of aging. The inclusion of Vitamin C provided enhanced benefits in reducing hyperpigmentation, suggesting its utility in personalized dermatological approaches for patients with pigmentation concerns.
Authors
- Stefano Alfano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3070-0289)
- Francesca Negosanti
- Massimo Milani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7559-1202)
- Colombina Vincenzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6065-0862)
- Elena Rossi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6077-7052)
- A. Cantù (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8454-9444)
- Marisa Praticò
- Maria Carmela Annunziata (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6498-565X)
- Federica Tovecci
- Lucia Villa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7856-336X)
- Patrizia Forgione
- Sandra Farina
- Caterina Foti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6196-9788)
- Sandra Lorenzi
- C. Rigoni
- Francesca Colombo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8099-0192)
- Aurora Tedeschi
- Chiara Bordin
Institutions
- IRCCS Policlinico San Donato (IT)
- Difa Cooper (Italy) (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cosmetics
- Published
- 2025-08-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12040177
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Skin Protection and Aging
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 4.01