Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based microneedle patch has recently been studied for wrinkle improvement. Cross-linked HA (CLHA) is widely used in dermal fillers. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (AHP-8) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are used for cosmetic ingredients. Objective: This study aimed to verify the efficacy of the CLHA/HA-based patch with microstructure (microneedle patch) containing AHP-8 or EGF. Methods: A total of 52 Korean females were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, controlled, split-face trial. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: (1) microneedle patch alone, (2) microneedle patch/AHP-8, and (3) microneedle patch/EGF. The treatment was applied on the periorbital and nasolabial fold area for 4 hours to completely dissolve the microstructures once per week for 29 days. Evaluations, including photodamage scoring, image analysis with Antera 3D (R) (Miravex, Ireland), skin hydration measurement, and adverse effect assessments, were performed at each visit. Results: Fifty subjects (96.2%) completed this clinical study. On day 29 after application, statistically significant improvements in wrinkle and skin hydration were observed in all groups (p < 0.01). Treatment with microneedle patch/AHP-8 and microneedle patch/EGF showed statistically significant improvements in wrinkle compared with microneedle patch alone (p < 0.05). No serious adverse effects were noted. Conclusion: Combination of CLHA-based microneedle patch and functional cosmetic ingredients can improve wrinkle with minimal discomfort.