Fan Yang

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in dermal fibroblasts, contributing to photodamage and skin aging. This study investigated the protective effects of Yeast/rice fermentation filtrate (RFF) and sialic acid (SA), both individually and in combination, against UVA-induced damage in human dermal fibroblasts. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, intracellular ATP and NAD⁺ contents, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were evaluated following treatment. RFF, SA, and their combination significantly improved cell viability in UVA-damaged fibroblasts and reduced ROS generation. Notably, the combined treatment increased intracellular ATP levels by 201.2% (p < 0.05), with enhancements of 62.3% and 285.4% compared to RFF and SA alone, respectively. Additionally, the combined treatment significantly restored NAD⁺ levels and effectively preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. Transcriptomic analysis revealed modulation of pathways related to cellular energy metabolism, particularly AMPK, and upregulation of SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT5 expression. The RFF–SA combination confers robust UVA photoprotection by enhancing mitochondrial resilience, providing a foundation for the development of protective cosmetic formulations.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate (SRFF) in mitigating glycation-related skin aging, specifically focusing on the reduction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) through improved transdermal delivery using nanotechnology and iontophoresis. Methods: We developed a hyaluronic acid (HA) nanogel as a carrier for SRFF, which enhances drug delivery efficiency and stability while providing skin protection. Iontophoresis, a non-invasive electrochemical method, was employed to facilitate the transdermal penetration of SRFF into the skin. An ex vivo skin tissue glycation model was established, and immunohistochemistry and tissue mechanics assessments were conducted to analyze the effects of SRFF combined with HA nanogel and iontophoresis. Results: The combination of SRFF with HA nanogel and iontophoresis significantly reduced the formation of AGEs and mitigated the stiffening effects associated with glycation. The results demonstrated pronounced anti-glycation effects at both the cellular and ex vivo tissue levels. The observed reductions in AGEs and improved skin barrier functionality were likely due to the antioxidant properties of SRFF and its ability to competitively bind to AGEs crosslinking sites. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of SRFF, in conjunction with HA nanogels and iontophoresis, as an effective method for anti-glycation treatment, reducing AGE accumulation and alleviating skin yellowing and stiffness. The findings support the development of non-invasive, efficacious strategies for enhancing skin health and counteracting the effects of aging.

Objectives: Sialic acid (SA), a naturally occurring compound abundantly found in birds’ nests, holds immense promise for skincare applications owing to its remarkable biological properties. However, its low bioavailability, poor stability, and limited skin permeability have constrained its widespread application. Methods: To overcome these challenges, SA was encapsulated within nanoliposomes (NLPs) by the high-pressure homogenization technique to develop an advanced and efficient transdermal drug delivery system. The skincare capabilities of this novel system were comprehensively evaluated across multiple experimental platforms, including in vitro cell assays, 3D skin models, in vivo zebrafish studies, and clinical human trials. Results: The SA-loaded NLPs (SA-NLPs) substantially improved the transdermal penetration and retention of SA, facilitating enhanced cellular uptake and cell proliferation. Compared to free SA, SA-NLPs demonstrated a 246.98% increase in skin retention and 1.8-fold greater cellular uptake in HDF cells. Moreover, SA-NLPs protected cells from oxidative stress-induced damage, stimulated collagen synthesis, and effectively suppressed the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, tyrosinase activity, and melanin production. Additionally, zebrafish-based assays provided in vivo evidence of the skincare efficacy of SA-NLPs. Notably, clinical evaluations demonstrated that a 56-day application of the SA-NLPs-containing cream resulted in a 4.20% increase in L*, 7.87% decrease in b*, 8.45% decrease in TEWL, and 4.01% reduction in wrinkle length, indicating its superior brightening, barrier-repair, and anti-aging effects. Conclusions: This multi-level, systematic investigation strongly suggests that SA-NLPs represent a highly promising transdermal delivery strategy, capable of significantly enhancing the anti-aging, barrier-repair, and skin-brightening properties of SA, thus opening new avenues for its application in the fields of dermatology and cosmeceuticals.

With the growing demand for environmental sustainability, the cosmetics industry is increasingly turning to natural ingredients with high bioactivity and efficacy. Rice, a staple food in many cultures, particularly in Asia, is renowned for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, as well as its skincare properties. Numerous studies have emphasized the multifunctional benefits of rice in skincare, ranging from its ability to enhance hydration to its effectiveness in addressing signs of aging, positioning it as a promising ingredient in cosmetic formulations. Recently, fermentation has emerged as an innovative technique that significantly enhances the bioactive potential of rice. This process amplifies the production of beneficial compounds, such as organic acids, amino acids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Previous studies have shown that rice fermentation products (RFPs) exhibit a range of skincare benefits, including moisturization, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, whitening, and anti-aging effects. This review provides an overview of the fermentation process and advantages of RFPs, followed by a detailed analysis of their key bioactive components and the diverse skincare benefits they offer. Moreover, we discuss the challenges related to the standardization, component analysis, and efficacy evaluation of these products, and we conclude with potential future research directions to fully explore the skincare potential of RFPs.

Background: The delicate periorbital region is susceptible to skin dehydration, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Thus, targeted and effective anti‐aging interventions are necessary for the periorbital area. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new anti‐aging eye cream formulated with the active complex (Yeast/rice fermentation filtrate, N ‐acetylneuraminic acid, palmityl tripeptide‐1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide‐7). Methods: The cell viability and expressions of key extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the active complex were evaluated using a human skin fibroblast model. In the 12‐week clinical trial, skin hydration, elasticity, facial photographs, and collagen density following eye cream application were assessed using Corneometer, Cutometer, VISIA, and ultrasound device, respectively. Dermatologists and participants evaluated clinical efficacy and safety at baseline, and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results: PCR and immunofluorescent analyses revealed that the active complex significantly stimulated fibroblast proliferation ( p < 0.05) and markedly promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Clinical findings exhibited a substantial enhancement in skin hydration (28.12%), elasticity (18.81%), and collagen production (54.99%) following 12 weeks of eye cream application. Dermatological evaluations and participants’ assessments reported a significant improvement in skin moisture, roughness, elasticity, as well as fine lines and wrinkles by week 8. Conclusion: The new anti‐aging eye cream, enriched with the active complex, demonstrates comprehensive rejuvenating effects, effectively addressing aging concerns in the periorbital area, coupled with a high safety profile.

Introduction: The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is a key metabolic pathway for driving the generation of mitochondrial energy in all oxidative organisms. Alpha‐ketoglutarate (Alpha‐KG), a precursor of glutamine, is known as a crucial intermediate of the TCA cycle and plays a pivotal role in multiple metabolic processes. As a precursor of glutamate and glutamine, AKG acts as an antioxidant agent as it directly reacts with hydrogen peroxide with formation of succinate, water, and carbon dioxide; meanwhile, it discharges plenty of ATP by oxidative decarboxylation. Several studies reported that Alpha‐KG is a key participant in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species and acts as an integral part of the oxidative defense machinery. However, few studies have been reported on the efficacy of Alpha‐KG in the maintenance of skin functions. This study demonstrated that Alpha‐KG has beneficial effects on skin hydration and barrier function and that fermentation is an effective way to enhance the synthesis of Alpha‐KG in yeast, which possesses mitochondria.Methods: Evaluation of promoting effects on epidermal keratinocyte proliferation: Keratinocytes were incubated with a test sample, and the degree of proliferation was determined by MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Evaluation of promoting effects on mRNA expression of genes related to skin hydration and barrier function: Keratinocytes were incubated with a test sample, and gene expression levels of filaggrin (FLG), serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), and involucrin (IVL) were analyzed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Analysis of Alpha‐KG in rice fermented liquid: Alpha‐KG in rice fermented liquid was quantitatively analyzed by capillary electrophoresis time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (CE‐TOF‐MS). Clinical study testing methods and VISIA testing: After 28 days of treatment use the cream with Alpha‐KG and control sample without Alpha‐KG, instrumentation measurements were adopted to assess skin wrinkles, texture, elasticity, and firmness, tested by the VISIA‐CR.Results: Immediately after using the sample for D0, the skin wrinkles were significantly reduced by 23.64%. After using the sample for D7, the average clinical score of outer corner wrinkles was significantly reduced by 15.23%, and nasolabial groove wrinkles were significantly reduced by 25.68%. After using the sample for D56, the mean clinical evaluation score of crow's feet decreased significantly by 25.42%; the average score of clinical evaluation of skin firmness increased significantly by 41.40%; the skin gloss increased significantly by 28.67%.Conclusion: It was demonstrated that Alpha‐KG is expected to promote skin hydration and barrier function by the activation of cell proliferation and the up‐regulation of mRNA expression of genes related to the maintenance of epidermal function in in vitro tests. In order to develop a cosmetic ingredient including Alpha‐KG, we focused on fermentation with yeast as an efficient production method of Alpha‐KG and found that fermentation of rice with yeast efficiently produced Alpha‐KG. Taken together, it is considered that rice fermented liquid containing Alpha‐KG could be a promising ingredient for skin care products. Through the clinical testing, rice fermented liquid containing Alpha‐KG could be a promising cosmetic ingredient for skin care products.