A Randomized, Double-Blinded Pilot Study Comparing Synthetic Versus Human-Derived Topical Epidermal Growth Factor for...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Cosmeceutical Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Topical cosmeceuticals containing growth factors are popular for facial photoaging.
• Peptide-based alternatives are gaining interest for supporting skin regeneration.
• Novel formulations aim to avoid human-derived biologics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical efficacy and tolerability of recombinant epidermal growth factor (REGF) serum versus human-derived growth factor (HDEGF) serum.
• To evaluate exploratory psychosocial perception outcomes associated with each serum.
• To assess improvements in skin texture, firmness, and participant satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week, prospective, randomized, double-blinded pilot trial with 20 adult female participants (50-65 years) with moderate to severe photoaging.
• Participants applied assigned serum twice daily, alongside a standardized cleanser and sunscreen regimen.
• Primary endpoints: investigator-rated skin texture and firmness. Secondary: participant satisfaction. Tertiary: psychosocial perception via lay evaluators.

Main Results:

• The REGF cohort demonstrated superior improvements in skin texture and firmness compared to the HDEGF cohort.
• Participant satisfaction ratings were higher in the REGF group across multiple questionnaire items.
• Exploratory assessments showed minor differences in perception domains, including estimated age, between groups.

Conclusions:

• The REGF formulation outperformed the HDEGF formulation in improving specific investigator- and participant-reported outcomes over 12 weeks.
• Exploratory perception findings require further validation due to the rating instrument's limitations.
• Larger, longer, and more diverse studies are necessary to confirm these findings.