Amino acid complex (AAComplex) benefits in cosmetic products: In vitro and in vivo clinical studies

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jul;21(7):3046-3052. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14544. Epub 2021 Oct 25.

Abstract

Background: Amino acids are major components of skin's natural moisturizing factors and play a role in regulating skin hydration and skin pH.

Objective: This research examines a proprietary amino acid complex technology (AAComplex) designed to help reduce skin irritation and repair skin damage.

Methods: In- vitro Scratch Assay HaCaT cells are scratched, and the wounds are imaged at different time points until the closure of the scratch wound is detected. In-vitro 3D Reconstructed Human Tissue Evaluation The concentration of heat shock protein 27 (HSP-27) extracted from 3D reconstructed human skin equivalent tissues and IL-1a released to the media was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In Vivo Clinical Study 37 subjects were enrolled in a split-face study design. On test days 1, 2, 4, and 8, subjects visited the test facility to have their face assessed by facial swabbing and bio-instrumentation measurements.

Results: In- vitro Scratch Assay The AAComplex demonstrated a strong cell renewal benefit in the HaCaT (human) cells scratch assay. In Vitro 3D Reconstructed Human Tissue Evaluation AAComplex demonstrated a significant skin repair benefit by quantifying Heat Shock Protein, HSP-27. Induced skin irritation was significantly reduced by quantifying interleukin-1 alpha biomarker, IL-1a. In Vivo Clinical Study The test products delivered skin benefits by reducing visual redness and skin irritation while increasing moisturization.

Conclusion: The in vitro and in vivo clinical studies demonstrated that the AAComplex technology formulated in the commercially available Skin Recovery System effectively reduced skin irritation and redness as well as accelerating the skin repair process.

Keywords: AAComplex; amino acid; arginine; glycine; skin repair; taurine.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids* / pharmacology
  • Cosmetics* / pharmacology
  • Erythema
  • Humans
  • Skin

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Cosmetics