Clinical Study to Evaluate the Anti-aging Efficacy and Skin Radiance-enhancing Effect of Dermial®.

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-centre clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of Dermial® on skin brightness and facial skin ageing in healthy women presenting physiological age-related skin ageing.

A total of 146 healthy women aged 35 to 65 years will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Dermial® (60 mg/day) or placebo for a 12-week supplementation period. Eligible participants must present moderate signs of facial skin ageing, corresponding to Glogau Grade II or III, and meet predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

The primary objective of the study is to assess the effect of Dermial® on facial skin brightness, measured in the right periocular area (crow's feet region) after 12 weeks of supplementation compared with placebo.

Secondary objectives include the evaluation of skin brightness in additional facial areas, skin luminosity, stratum corneum hydration, skin pH, skin ageing parameters (wrinkles, roughness, scaling and smoothness), investigator-assessed facial ageing, participant self-assessment of facial appearance, overall product satisfaction, and product safety.

Safety and tolerability will be evaluated throughout the study by monitoring adverse events and treatment compliance. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks, including instrumental skin measurements, standardized facial photography, investigator evaluations and participant questionnaires.

Inclusion criteria

• Willing and able to comply with all study requirements and restrictions, provide informed consent, understand and complete study questionnaires, and undergo all study-related procedures.
• Healthy women aged 35 to 65 years (inclusive) presenting signs of physiological facial skin ageing, defined as Grade II (Expression Wrinkles) or Grade III (Wrinkles at Rest) according to the Glogau Scale, as assessed by the investigator.
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18.0 and 34.9 kg/m² (inclusive). Willingness to maintain their usual cosmetic treatment routine throughout the study.
• Willingness to refrain from undergoing any facial rejuvenation treatments during the study.
• Willingness not to initiate nutritional supplements containing ingredients with potential skin-related effects during the study (e.g., hyaluronic acid, collagen, methylsulfonylmethane, vitamin C, soy, CoQ10, or antioxidants).
• Willingness not to initiate the use of new topical products other than those included in their usual skincare routine during the study.
• Willingness to maintain their normal lifestyle habits throughout the study (including sun exposure, diet, physical activity, and sleep habits).
• Women willing not to initiate or modify estrogen- or progesterone-based therapies during the study.
• Women willing to avoid pregnancy during the study by using appropriate contraceptive methods.
• Women willing not to use any skin-firming, skin-lightening, topical, or systemic medication known to affect skin ageing or dyschromia during the study period.

Exclusion criteria

• Regular use of hyaluronic acid-containing creams within the 3 months prior to enrolment.
• Regular use of oral supplements that may affect skin condition within the 3 months prior to enrolment.
• Changes in facial or body cosmetic routines within 1 month prior to enrolment.
• Use of medications affecting skin responses (e.g., glucocorticoids, antihistamines, immunomodulators).
• Presence of skin pigmentation disorders.
• Chronic sun exposure or planned use of tanning beds within 1 month prior to enrolment or during the study.
• Facial rejuvenation treatments (e.g., microneedling, needle mesotherapy, medium/deep chemical peels, ablative laser treatments, electrotherapy, intense pulsed light therapy) within the 4 months prior to enrolment.
• Self-reported allergy to cosmetic products and/or sunscreens.
• Use of hormonal contraceptives for less than 3 months before enrolment, or a change in contraceptive method within the 3 months prior to enrolment in women of childbearing potential.
• Employees of clinical laboratories, testing companies, cosmetic manufacturers, suppliers of topical product raw materials, or related industries.
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study.
• Known hypersensitivity, intolerance, or allergy to any study product, excipient, or rescue medication.
• Presence of inflammatory facial skin disorders at enrolment, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, acne, or hidradenitis suppurativa.
• Type 1 diabetes, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension (≥140 mmHg systolic or ≥90 mmHg diastolic), or uncontrolled thyroid disease.
• Known diseases interfering with absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of the study product (e.g., Crohn's disease, short bowel syndrome, acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency).
• History of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease (including dialysis or renal failure), liver disease, immune disorders, or immunocompromised conditions (e.g., HIV/AIDS).
• History of cancer (except localized non-metastatic skin cancer or cervical carcinoma in situ) with recovery occurring within 5 years prior to enrolment.
• Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) or psychiatric hospitalization within 12 months prior to enrolment.
• Clinically significant illness reported within 28 days prior to enrolment.
• Major surgery within the 3 months prior to enrolment or planned during the study.
• History of alcohol or substance abuse within 12 months prior to enrolment, including hospitalization for intervention programs, or any use considered by the investigator to pose a study risk.
• Current participation or participation within the previous 2 months in another clinical study involving an investigational product, or prior investigational products with residual effects that may affect eligibility or study outcomes.
• Any medical condition, clinical situation, medication, supplement, or therapy that, in the investigator's opinion, may interfere with study participation, study assessments, participant safety, or study integrity.
• Treatment with Botulinum toxin (Botox®), hyaluronic acid fillers, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) within the 6 months prior to enrolment, or collagen biostimulators within the 12 months prior to enrolment.
• Participants who have undergone:

Superficial or medium-depth chemical peels, or dermabrasion, within 6 weeks prior to enrolment.

Facial plastic surgery or ablative laser treatment for photoageing within 12 months prior to enrolment.