CINCINNATIThe British Journal of Dermatology published a head-to-head anti-aging clinical trial comparing an off-the-shelf brand to the leading prescription wrinkle regimen, 0.02 percent tretinoin. The study found Olay Professional Pro-X regimen clinically improved the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, as well as the prescription regimen in eight weeks (2010;162(3):647-54). An eight-week, randomized, parallel-group study was conducted in 196 women with moderate to moderately severe periorbital wrinkles. Following two weeks washout, 99 subjects on the cosmetic regimen used an SPF 30 moisturizing lotion containing 5 percent niacinamide, peptides and antioxidants, a moisturizing cream containing niacinamide and peptides, and a targeted wrinkle product containing niacinamide, peptides and 0.3 percent retinyl propionate. Subjects on the prescription regimen (n=97) used 0.02 percent tretinoin plus moisturizing SPF 30 sunscreen. Subject cohorts (n=25) continued treatment for an additional 16 weeks.

The cosmetic regimen significantly improved wrinkle appearance after eight weeks relative to tretinoin, with comparable benefits after 24 weeks. The cosmetic regimen was significantly better tolerated than tretinoin through eights weeks by all measures. Researchers concluded an appropriately designed cosmetic regimen can improve facial wrinkle appearance comparably with the benchmark prescription treatment, with improved tolerability.

"We believe this is the first of its kind clinical study comparing a cosmetic anti-aging regimen against a recognized prescription topical treatment for improving the appearance of facial wrinkling," said Joe Kaczvinsky, Ph.D., a principal scientist at P&G Beauty & Grooming and a lead author of the study. "The results of this study show the effectiveness of a prescription product for improving the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles can be achieved with an appropriately designed cosmetic regimen, while providing additional benefits in aesthetics, skin tolerance, and potential consumer compliance.