A Randomized, Active Comparator-controlled Clinical Trial of a Topical Botanical Cream for Skin Hydration,...

Background: The skin is where initial visual signs of aging manifest, including increased skin dryness and decreased firmness and elasticity. Cellulite, a skin condition characterized by changes in the skin morphology due to excessive lipid deposition in subcutaneous adipose tissue, is another characteristic of skin aging. Objective: We sought to assess the effectiveness of a topical botanical cream on cellulite, skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity after two, four, and eight weeks of use compared to an active comparator. Design: The study was a single-blind, randomized, controlled study conducted on subjects with mild-to-severe cellulite on the thighs. Subjects were treated with a topical botanical cream (UP1307) and an active comparator for eight weeks. A total of 44 women 18 to 59 years of age were enrolled. Test products were gently applied in a circular motion to the area identified by subjects as the target cellulite area twice per day. Measurements: Measurements using Corneometer® (for skin hydration) and Cutometer® (for skin elasticity and firmness) were carried out at each visit in addition to expert clinical grader evaluations for cutaneous changes and cellulite. Outcomes were also assessed by patients using subject questionnaires. Results: Patients reported significant improvement in skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity over time. Findings were corroborated with objective instrumental measurements. At Week 8, 44.4- and 42.7-percent improvement in appearance of cellulite was also observed for the UP1307 cream and the active comparator group, respectively. Conclusion: Use of UP1307 cream produced significant improvements in skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity, with associated improvement in cellulite appearance. There was overall superiority of UP1307 between groups. Progressive subject perceptions of product effects are reported.