A Practical Approach for the In Vitro Safety and Efficacy Assessment of an Anti-Ageing Cosmetic Cream Enriched with Functional Compounds
Open accessAbstract
(1) Background: Cosmeceuticals are topical products applied to human skin to prevent skin ageing and maintain a healthy skin appearance. Their effectiveness is closely linked to the compounds present in a final formulation. In this article, we propose a panel of in vitro tests to support the efficacy assessment of an anti-ageing cream enriched with functional compounds. (2) Methods: biocompatibility and the irritant effect were evaluated on reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) and corneal epithelium (HCE) 3D models. After a preliminary MTT assay, normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and keratinocytes (HaCaT) were used to evaluate the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production. (3) Results: data collected showed good biocompatibility and demonstrated the absence of the irritant effect in both 3D models. Therefore, we demonstrated a statistical increase in collagen and elastin productions in NHDF cells. In HaCaT cells, we highlighted an anti-inflammatory effect through a reduction in IL-6 levels in inflammatory stimulated conditions. Moreover, the reduction of MMP-1 production after UV-B radiation was demonstrated, showing significant photo-protection. (4) Conclusion: a multiple in vitro assays approach is proposed for the valid and practical assessment of the anti-ageing protection, anti-inflammatory and biocompatible claims that can be assigned to a cosmetic product containing functional compounds.
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In HaCaT keratinocyte test systems, cell viability over 70-80% at 24 h should be considered nontoxic.
“In the HaCaT keratinocyte test systems, results with cell viability of over 70-80% at 24 h should be considered nontoxic [30 - 32].”
From Formulation development, physical stability, and preliminary safety screening of cosmetic emulsions containing banana peel extract (2026) · cites this paper as [31]
Section 2.1 (page unavailable) reports that, after 24 hours, the authors selected cream concentrations that gave HaCaT cell viability ≥80%; Section 4.7 calls those concentrations non-cytotoxic. The paper does not establish a 70% cutoff or a general nontoxicity rule for HaCaT test systems. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Cites
Mosmann, T. (1983) · Journal of Immunological Methods · doi:10.1016/0022-1759(83)90303-4 · Cited by 56,104 · see citing works
Molecular Mechanisms of Stress-Responsive Changes in Collagen and Elastin Networks in Skin
Aziz, J., Shezali, H., Radzi, Z., Yahya, N. A., Abu Kassim, N. H., Czernuszka, J., & Rahman, M. T. (2016) · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology · doi:10.1159/000447017 · Cited by 7,323 · see citing works
Cell Sensitivity Assays: The MTT Assay
van Meerloo, J., Kaspers, G. J. L., & Cloos, J. J. (2011) · Methods in molecular biology · doi:10.1007/978-1-61779-080-5_20 · Cited by 2,598 · see citing works
UV-light-induced signal cascades and skin aging
Rittié, L. (2002) · Ageing Research Reviews · doi:10.1016/s1568-1637(02)00024-7 · Cited by 987 · see citing works
Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Aging and Antiaging Approaches
Shin, J.-W., Kwon, S.-H., Choi, J.-Y., Na, J.-I., Huh, C.-H., Choi, H.-R., & Park, K.-C. (2019) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms20092126 · Cited by 875 · see citing works
Kular, J. K., Basu, S., & Sharma, R. I. (2014) · Journal of Tissue Engineering · doi:10.1177/2041731414557112 · Cited by 557 · see citing works
Looking Older: Fibroblast Collapse and Therapeutic Implications
Fisher, G. J., Varani, J., & Voorhees, J. J. (2008) · Archives of Dermatology · doi:10.1001/archderm.144.5.666 · Cited by 540 · see citing works
Structure and function of the epidermis related to barrier properties
Baroni, A., Buommino, E., Gregorio, V. D., Ruocco, E., Ruocco, V., & Wolf, R. (2012) · Clinics in Dermatology · doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2011.08.007 · Cited by 530 · see citing works
Interleukin-6 as a key player in systemic inflammation and joint destruction
Fonseca, J. E., Santos, M. J., Canhão, H. M., & Choy, E. (2009) · Autoimmunity Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2009.01.012 · Cited by 374 · see citing works
Ratz-lyko, A., Arct, J., & Pytkowska, K. (2016) · Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences · doi:10.4103/0250-474x.180247 · Cited by 121 · see citing works
Buranasudja, V., Rani, D., Malla, A., Kobtrakul, K., & Vimolmangkang, S. (2021) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-021-92958-7 · Cited by 112 · see citing works
White Biotechnology in Cosmetics
Sajna, K. V., Gottumukkala, L. D., Sukumaran, R. K., & Pandey, A. (2015) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-63453-5.00020-3 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Molecular Mechanisms of Skin Aging and Rejuvenation
Kim, M., & Park, H. J. (2016) · InTech eBooks · doi:10.5772/62983 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Salicyloyl‐phytosphingosine: a novel agent for the repair of photoaged skin
Farwick, M., Watson, R. E. B., Rawlings, A. V., Wollenweber, U., Lersch, P., Bowden, J. J., Bastrilles, J., & Griffiths, C. E. M. (2007) · International Journal of Cosmetic Science · doi:10.1111/j.1467-2494.2007.00394.x · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Letsiou, S., Bakea, A., Goff, G. L., Lopes, P., Gardikis, Κ., Alonso, C., Álvarez, P. A., & Ouazzani, J. (2020) · Toxicology in Vitro · doi:10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104869 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Evaluation of the Soothing and Protective Properties of a Lignin Hydrolyzate
Greco, L., Ullo, S., Rigano, L., Fontana, M., & Berardesca, E. (2019) · Cosmetics · doi:10.3390/cosmetics6030038 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Letsiou, S., Bakea, A., Holefors, A., Rembiesa, J., Spanidi, E., & Gardikis, Κ. (2020) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-020-76169-0 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Gene transfer patent is revoked
Abbott, A. (1994) · Nature · doi:10.1038/368005b0 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 1
- [12]Sajna K.V. White Biotechnology in Cosmetics Industrial Biorefineries & White Biotechnology Pandey A. Hofer R. Taherzadeh M. Nampoothiri K.M. Elsevier Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2015 607 652
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Aromatic plants as cosmeceuticals: benefits and applications for skin health
Olivero‐Verbel, J., Quintero-Rincón, P., & Caballero-Gallardo, K. (2024) · Planta · doi:10.1007/s00425-024-04550-8 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Şenol, F. S., Orhan, İ. E., Filipek, P. A., Ertaş, A., Gstir, R., Jakschitz, T. A. E., & Bonn, G. K. (2025) · Pharmaceuticals · doi:10.3390/ph18030439 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Vinardell, M. P., Maddaleno, A. S., & Mitjans, M. (2024) · Cosmetics · doi:10.3390/cosmetics11050170 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
In Vitro Toxicity Evaluation of Some Plant Extracts and Their Potential Application in Xerosis cutis
Ghica, A., Tanase, M.-L., Niculite, C. M., Tocilă, A., Popescu, L., Luță, E. A., Olaru, O. T., Popovici, V., Balaci, T. D., Duțu, L. E., et al. (2024) · Cosmetics · doi:10.3390/cosmetics11040124 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Zerbinati, N., Francesco, S. D., Capillo, M. C., Maccario, C., Stabile, G., Galadari, H., Rauso, R., Sommatis, S., & Mocchi, R. (2023) · Pharmaceuticals · doi:10.3390/ph16050655 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Self-citationVasiljev, T. G., Salvioni, L., Colombo, M., Galli, P., & Greselin, F. (2025) · Statistical Methods & Applications · doi:10.1007/s10260-025-00794-0 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Silymarin inhibits dermal gelatinolytic activity and reduces cutaneous inflammation
Mota, J., Faria‐Silva, C., Resendes, A. R., Santos, M. I., Carvalheiro, M. C., Lima, A., & Simões, S. (2024) · Natural Product Research · doi:10.1080/14786419.2024.2347452 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Ratheesh, M., Jose, S. P., Sreevallabhan, S., Jalam, J. K., Tilwani, J., Jagmag, T., Abhyankar, M., & George, S. M. (2024) · International Journal of Cosmetic Science · doi:10.1111/ics.13014 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Cui, H., Feng, C., Guo, C., Bu, X., Li, X., Zhang, T., Cheng, S., & Duan, Z. (2023) · Journal of Applied Microbiology · doi:10.1093/jambio/lxad274 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Liao, Z., Laurent, N., Hirt‐Burri, N., Scaletta, C., Abdel-Sayed, P., Raffoul, W., Luo, S., Krysan, D. J., Laurent, A. E., & Applegate, L. A. (2024) · European Burn Journal · doi:10.3390/ebj5030024 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Jawa, N. U. H., Abbas, N. A., Aslam, H. N., Afzal, H., Hameed, M., Bukhari, N. I., & Latif, S. (2025) · AAPS PharmSciTech · doi:10.1208/s12249-025-03239-9 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Solomonov, Y., & Lévy, R. (2024) · Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology · doi:10.4236/abb.2024.152010 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Pimsee, P., Meenongwa, A., Rattanabun, W., Warinthip, N., Panomai, P., Keawbankrud, W., Sanseera, D., Khangkham, S., Kraipiyaset, P., Nakyai, W., et al. (2026) · Creative Science · doi:10.55674/cs.v18i3.265827
Therapeutic Use of Food Supplements as a Prevention against its Ageing
Slíva, J. (2022) · Dermatologie pro praxi · doi:10.36290/der.2022.010
Jang, B. J., Shin, J. A., Oh, J., Lee, J.-D., Yoon, S., Ham, Y., Kim, J. M., & Shin, H. S. (2025) · Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering · doi:10.1007/s12257-025-00219-5
Cream of Lantana camara Linn. Enriched with Ascorbic Acid does not Irritate the Skin
Tjahyadi, D., Parwanto, E., Edy, H. J., Tjahyadi, J. J. V., Gabrielle, L., Oladimeji, A. V., & Karahüseyin, S. (2025) · Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology · doi:10.52711/0974-360x.2025.00745
Abdurrahman, F., Kadarohman, A., & Sardjono, R. E. (2026) · Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology · doi:10.1016/j.jdsct.2026.100186
- Authors
- Zerbinati, N., Sommatis, S., Maccario, C., Di Francesco, S., Capillo, M. C., Grimaldi, G., Rauso, R., Herrera, M., Bencini, P. L., & Mocchi, R.
- Affiliations
- University of Insubria (IT)
- University of Pavia (IT)
- UB-CARE S.r.l.-Spin-Off, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" (IT)
- Centro Avanzado de Dermatologia y Laser, San Pedro Sula 21104, Honduras
- Istituto di Chirurgia e Laser-Chirurgia in Dermatologia (I.C.L.I.D.), 20121 Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author
- Mocchi, Roberto
- Venue
- Molecules
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2021-12-15
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 24
- Pages
- 7592
- ISSN
- 1420-3049 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC8708483
- OpenAlex
- W4200520258
- Cited by
- 16
- References
- 18
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1
- FWCI
- 2.22
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Molecules (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- IrInSubria (University of Insubria) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Contact Dermatitis and Allergies
- Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmaceutical Science › Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery
- Keywords
- cosmeceuticals, skin aging, reconstructed human epidermis, corneal epithelium, biocompatibility, irritancy, dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, extracellular matrix, interleukin-6, MMP-1, anti-inflammatory activity, functional compounds
- MeSH terms
- Cosmeceuticals, Cell Line, Fibroblasts, Humans, Skin Aging, Keratinocytes, Interleukin-6, Extracellular Matrix Proteins, Dermis, Matrix Metalloproteinase 1
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
