A synthetic skincare ingredient applied to the skin, designed to signal skin cells to make more collagen — the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth. It appears very well tolerated, with irritation uncommon and no whole-body effects. Yet improvements tend to be modest and independent human evidence is largely missing; its promise currently outpaces the evidence. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standardized facial photographs | Visible reduction vs. baseline in target lines | Tracks real-world wrinkle/firmness change |
| Fine-line/wrinkle appearance | Trend downward from baseline over 8–12 weeks | Primary success signal for this ingredient |
| Skin hydration/texture | Stable or improved vs. baseline | Reflects overall formulation benefit and tolerance |
| Local tolerance (redness/stinging) | None to minimal | Detects irritation early |
Cadence: Reassess at ~4 weeks (tolerability), then 8–12 weeks, and every 3 months thereafter