Formulation and clinical evaluation of the standardized Litchi chinensis extract for skin hyperpigmentation and aging treatments

Abstract

Introduction: The standardized litchi extract had been revealed on phytochemical actives, in vitro and cellular activities against aging and darkening of skin. However, a formulation containing the extract has never been developed as per clinical evaluated.

Materials and methods: The litchi serum was developed, safety and efficacy were clinically evaluated in human volunteers. The stable and none irritated 0.05 and 0.1% litchi serums were randomized-single blind placebo control clinical applied on the inner forearm of 29 volunteers for a consecutive 112 days and monitored by Mexameter® MX18, Cutometer® MPA 580 and Visioscan® VC 98.

Results: Skin lightening efficacy of the 0.1% and 0.05% litchi serum was significantly (P<0.001 and P<0.05) higher than the placebo. Skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction was significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.005) achieved by the 0.1% litchi serum. The efficacy of litchi serums was confirmed by a split-face, randomized, single-blind controlled that the 0.1% litchi serum was significantly (P<0.05) better than the 0.05% one of all examined parameters.

Conclusion: Safety and efficacy of litchi extract are clinically confirmed for hyperpigmentation and aging of skin treatments.

Keywords: Cosmetics; Cosmétiques; Effet de barrière cutanée; Litchi chinensis; Skin aging; Skin barrier function; Skin lightening; Éclaircissement cutané.