The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the anti-wrinkle efficacy of Argireline in a Chinese population, an ethnic group with distinct skin characteristics (greater dermal thickness and different aging patterns) that had not been previously studied. A total of 60 participants were randomized to receive topical Argireline solution or placebo, applied to periocular wrinkles ("crow's feet") for 4 weeks.

Efficacy was assessed by objective methods, including three-dimensional optical profilometry of the skin surface and clinical evaluation by independent dermatologists. The results were remarkable: the Argireline group showed total anti-wrinkle efficacy of 48.9%, while the placebo group showed 0% improvement. The difference was highly statistically significant.

Profilometric analysis revealed quantitative reduction in depth parameters (Ra, Rz, Rmax) of periocular wrinkles, confirming that the improvement was not merely subjective. Furthermore, evaluation by standardized photographs showed visible improvement as early as the first 2 weeks of treatment, with progressively better results through week 4.

This study is relevant for validating the efficacy of Argireline in a rigorous design (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled) and in an ethnically diverse population. The results reinforced Argireline's position as one of the cosmetic peptides with the strongest clinical evidence, applicable to different skin types and aging patterns.