In vivo assessment of ectoin: A randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trial

The aim of the study was to assess an Ectoin formulation with regard to the antiageing properties. The study was designed as a monocentric, randomized, double-blind application test, in order to ensure the compatibility and the efficacy of Ectoin in comparison to a vehicle emulsion. A total of 104 voluntary healthy female test subjects were included in the study. Moisturizing properties as well as other parameters of skin ageing, like skin surface structure and skin elasticity, were determined for treatment A (vehicle) and treatment B (with 2% Ectoin) versus an untreated control. Statistical evaluations according to the Wilcoxon rank-sum test indicate a general preference for the Ectoin treatment by the test subjects in both the application and the efficacy tests. None of the participating test subjects had any side effects throughout the study. In terms of antiageing properties, previous in vitro studies could be confirmed by this clinical trial, clarifying that the natural cell protection concept of Ectoin is transferable to skin care with manifold benefits. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.