BACKGROUND

High-functional cosmetic products combined with the concept of "treatment" cosmetics are being introduced to the market. Cosmetic products containing a skin-derived microbiome, a three-dimensional (3D) stem cell culture medium, and low-molecular-weight collagen are being introduced, and these products are leading the cosmeceutical market. We aimed to confirm the potential of a 3D stem cell culture medium-containing cream as a skin-whitening and moisturizing product.

AIM

To determine the enhancing effects of a cream containing 3D adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media (3D ADMSC-CM) on whitening and moisturization.

METHODS

The inhibitory activities of tyrosinase (TYR) and melanin were confirmed using 3D ADMSC-CM. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid expression in 3D ADMSC-CM was verified. The clinical efficacy of the cream containing 3D ADMSC-CM was established by evaluating its antioxidant properties and effects on skin tone, radiance, freckles, and moisturization.

RESULTS

The use of 3D ADMSC-CM suppressed the inhibitory effects of TYR and melanin by approximately 24% and 33%, respectively, and increased the expression of hyaluronic acid synthase. A significant difference was observed after 4 weeks of using 3D ADMSC-CM in the skin antioxidant evaluation. After 2 and 4 weeks of use, skin tone and radiance increased and skin freckles decreased significantly. Under extremely cold and dry weather conditions, the use of the cream increased skin moisturization.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D ADMSC-CM cream evaluated in an environment similar to the human body was found to enhance skin whitening and moisturization and can therefore be used in the skin care and cosmetic industries as a biocosmetic product.