SIG‐1273 protects skin against urban air pollution and when formulated in AgeIQ™ Night Cream anti‐aging benefits clinically demonstrated

Background SIG‐1273 is a novel cosmetic active that provides a broad spectrum of benefits to the skin. Considering the chronic skin exposure to pollution in urban areas, we sought to determine if SIG‐1273 could provide additional protection against skin aging by inhibiting pollutant‐induced cytotoxicity and inflammation. Objective Determine if SIG‐1273 possesses antipollution properties in vitro and evaluate the potential anti‐aging benefits of Age IQ™ Night Cream clinically in human subjects. Methods In vitro studies utilizing normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs), were co‐treated with urban dust (SRM 1649b) and SIG‐1273 (toxicity protection measured by MTS assay). A water‐soluble fraction of urban dust (UD‐WS) induces pro‐inflammatory cytokine release (IL‐8) from NHEKs (measured via ELISA). An 8‐week, 37‐subject clinical trial was performed with 0.05% SIG‐1273 formulated in Age IQ™ Night Cream and applied topically to assess its potential to reduce the appearance of aging. Results In vitro studies using NHEKs demonstrate SIG‐1273 protects against urban dust‐induced cell toxicity, reducing cell death by 66% and concentration dependently inhibits UD‐WS‐induced IL‐8 production (IC50 = 20 nmol/L), outperforming niacinamide, ascorbic acid, and α‐tocopherol, commonly used actives in antipollution skin‐care products. Clinical assessment of Age IQ™ Night Cream shows it is effective in improving the appearance of facial skin aging including fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin clarity/brightness, and firmness/elasticity. Conclusions SIG‐1273, is demonstrated here for the first time to possess antipollution properties. Included as a key active ingredient in Age IQ™ Night Cream, this novel topical formulation provides benefits to individuals with aging skin.