Development, validation and application of an all-in-one dynamic wrinkles evaluation system on keratin material in the cosmetic industries

ISRCTN ISRCTN17790551
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17790551
Submission date
23/07/2025
Registration date
01/08/2025
Last edited
31/07/2025
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
As we age, our skin naturally forms wrinkles. This happens because important parts of the skin—like collagen, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid—break down over time. Some wrinkles appear even when the face is at rest, while others, like crow’s feet or frown lines, show up when we smile or frown. These are called expression lines. Over time, temporary expression lines can become permanent wrinkles. This study tested a new way to measure these expression lines and looked at whether a special anti-wrinkle cream could help reduce both static (resting) and dynamic (expression) wrinkles over 8 weeks.

Who can participate?
Healthy Chinese adults aged 20 to 45 years could take part. All skin types were welcome, and about half of the participants had sensitive skin or concerns like rough texture or loss of firmness. Participants needed to have certain levels of wrinkles, confirmed by a dermatologist. People were not allowed to join if they had serious skin conditions, were undergoing emergency treatment, had allergies to skincare products, or had recently had cosmetic procedures.

What does the study involve?
The study lasted 10 weeks in total. First, there was a 2-week period where participants used only basic skincare products (cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen). Then, for 8 weeks, they used the test cream and cleanser twice a day, and sunscreen once a day. They weren’t allowed to use other skincare or makeup products, except for lip and eyebrow makeup. Participants visited the clinic five times for skin checks, photos, and questionnaires. A dermatologist with over 30 years of experience assessed their skin each time.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants might see improvements in wrinkles, skin firmness, and elasticity. However, there is a small risk of skin discomfort or irritation from the products.

Where is the study run from?
L’Oréal China Research and Innovation Center (China)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
November 2021 to January 2022

Who is funding the study?
L’Oréal China Research and Innovation Center (China)

Who is the main contact?
Jing Li, amy.li@loreal.com

Contact information

Dr Jing Li
Public, Scientific, Principal Investigator

L’oreal China Research and Innovation Center, Pudong district 550 Jinyu Rd
Shanghai
201206
China

Phone +86 21 20611562
Email amy.li@loreal.com

Study information

Study designSingle-center interventional study
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designNon randomised study
Study setting(s)Home
Study typeEfficacy
Participant information sheet No participant information sheet available
Scientific titleDevelopment, validation and application of an all-in-one dynamic wrinkles evaluation system on keratin material in the cosmetic industries
Study objectivesObserve and compare the anti-aging effect of the facial test product during 8 weeks of repeated use.
Ethics approval(s)

Approved 11/11/2021, Shanghai Ethics Committee for Clinical Research (Building A, 380 Fenglin Road (Fenglin International Centre), Shanghai, 200032, China; +86 21-33676001; seccr@scrcnet.org), ref: SECCR/2021/146/02

Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedAnti-aging
InterventionThis study is a single-arm clinical trial comprising a 2-week washout period followed by an 8-week treatment phase. During the washout phase, eligible participants were permitted to use one set of standard auxiliary products (standard cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen) consistently. During the 8-week treatment period, participants applied the investigational product (anti-wrinkle cream) and a standard cleanser twice daily, in the morning and evening. Standard sunscreen was used only once daily, in the morning. For all products, a coin-sized amount was applied evenly to the face, chin, and neck, and the product was massaged until absorbed; the product was kept away the eyes. No other skin care or facial makeup products were permitted except for lip and eyebrow makeup during the entire study period. Follow-up visits were scheduled at five time points: baseline, Timm (15 min after product application), and at week 3, 4, and 8.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measure1. Static lines are measured using the Skin Aging Atlas (Flament 2010) at baseline, Timm (15 minutes after product application), and at weeks 3, 4, and 8
2. Skin firmness is measured using the 10-point Griffiths scale at baseline, Timm, and at weeks 3, 4, and 8
3. Skin elasticity is measured using the 10-point Griffiths scale at baseline, Timm, and at weeks 3, 4, and 8
4. Global fine lines are measured using the 10-point Griffiths scale at baseline, Timm, and at weeks 3, 4, and 8
5. Dynamic wrinkles are measured using photographic grading with the Skin Aging Atlas at Timm, and at weeks 4 and 8
6. Gross elasticity (R5) is measured using the Cutometer Dual Skin Elasticity Meter MPA580 at Timm, and at weeks 4 and 8
7. Net elasticity (R2) is measured using the Cutometer Dual Skin Elasticity Meter MPA580 at Timm, and at weeks 4 and 8
8. Biological elasticity (R7) is measured using the Cutometer Dual Skin Elasticity Meter MPA580 at Timm, and at weeks 4 and 8
9. Participant self-assessed outcomes are measured using self-assessment questionnaires at baseline, Timm, and at weeks 3, 4, and 8
10. Safety is assessed at week 4
Secondary outcome measuresThere are no secondary outcome measures
Overall study start date17/11/2021
Completion date30/01/2022

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Healthy volunteer
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit20 Years
Upper age limit45 Years
SexFemale
Target number of participants70
Total final enrolment66
Key inclusion criteria1. Chinese women, 20–45 years old
2. All skin types
3. Usually have rich expression, love to laugh, often raise eyebrows and frown
4. Presenting obvious dynamic lines while making following facial expression adjusted by Dermatologist:
4.1. Smile expression:
4.1.1. Underneath eye wrinkles: 3 < grade ≤ 9 (L'Oréal Atlas Page 46–47)
4.1.2. Crow's feet wrinkle: 3 < grade ≤ 6 (L'Oréal Atlas Page 40–41)
4.1.3. Nasolabial folds: 1 < grade ≤ 7 (L'Oréal Atlas Page 54–55)
4.2. Raise eyebrow expression:
4.2.1. Forehead wrinkles: 3 < grade ≤ 8 (L'Oréal Atlas Page 32–33)
4.3. Frown expression:
4.3.1. Glabellar wrinkles: 2 < grade ≤ 6 (L'Oréal Atlas Page 36–37)
5. Did not participate in any clinical test or cosmetic product test on skin within 3 months
6. No disagreement of dermatologist because of other reasons that exclude the participation of the volunteer
7. In general, good health at the time of the study
8. Willing and able to participate as evidenced by signing of informed consent and photo release
9. Must be willing to comply with all study protocol requirements
Key exclusion criteria1. Pregnant or breast-feeding woman or woman planning pregnancy during the study
2. Subject deprived of rights by a court or administrative order
3. Major subject to a guardianship order
4. Subject residing in a health or social care establishment
5. Patient in an emergency setting
6. Volunteer with a skin disease in the test areas as well as skin allergy (particularly e.g., acne, rosacea, eczema)
7. Volunteer presenting a stable or progressive serious disease (per investigator's assessment)
8. Immuno-compromised subject
9. Subject with history of allergy to cosmetic or personal care products or ingredients
10. Subject presenting excessive exposure to sunlight or UV radiation (investigator's assessment)
11. Subjects regularly practicing aquatic or nautical sports
12. Subjects regularly attending a sauna
Date of first enrolment17/11/2021
Date of final enrolment21/11/2021

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • China

Study participating centre

Shanghai China-Norm Quality Technical Service Co., Ltd.
Building #8, No.697, Lingshi Road, Health Work, Jing'an District
Shanghai
20000
China

Sponsor information

L’oreal China Research and Innovation Center
Industry

Pudong district 550 Jinyu Rd.
Shanghai
201206
China

Phone +86 21 20611562
Email amy.li@loreal.com

Funders

Funder type

Industry

L’oreal China Research and Innovation Center

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot expected to be made available
Publication and dissemination planPlanned publication in a peer-reviewed journal
IPD sharing planData is not shared in accordance with corporate data management requirements

Editorial Notes

23/07/2025: Trial's existence confirmed by Shanghai Ethics Committee for Clinical Research.