Efficacy and safety of a novel, soluble microneedle patch for the improvement of facial wrinkle

Summary Background Various kinds of functional cosmetics are on the market, although there are a variety of opinions concerning the actual effect. Transdermal microneedle patch has been introduced as a newly developed device for drug delivery through the skin. Objective This study was conducted to verify the face skin improvement effect and safety of a novel cosmetic microneedle patch. Methods A total of 84 Korean females finished this prospective clinical trial. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: (1) soluble hyaluronic acid ( HA ) microneedle patch alone, (2) soluble HA microneedle patch plus adenosine wrinkle cream, and (3) adenosine wrinkle cream alone. The treatments were applied to the crow's feet and nasolabial fold wrinkle for 12 weeks. The test areas were measured before treatment and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after use of the test product. At the completion of the testing period of the trial, the global assessment of efficacy and product preferences were surveyed from the subjects. Results Combination treatment with wrinkle cream and microneedle patch significantly improved Merz scale for crow's feet and nasolabial folds, compared to the sole application of wrinkle cream or patch. Measurement on the crow's feet showed an overall improvement in all 3 groups, yielding no significant differences among the groups. No serious adverse effects were observed during the follow‐up period. Conclusion Combination application of a soluble microneedle patch and wrinkle cream was an effective treatment in improving facial wrinkles, thus enhancing skin rejuvenation.