Anti-Glycation and Anti-Aging Efficacy of Newly Synthesized Antioxidant With Autophagy Stimulating Activity

Background: The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in aged skin and their pro-aging effects suggest the potential application of anti-glycation ingredients as skin anti-aging agents. Aims: This study evaluated the anti-aging efficacy of a newly developed anti-glycation ingredient with antioxidant and autophagy-stimulating activities through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical efficacy tests. Methods: AGEs formation in both the cell-free BSA/glyoxal system and glucose/glyoxal-treated human epidermal keratinocytes was measured, while the degradation of pre-formed BSA/AGEs by keratinocytes was assessed. Anti-glycation and anti-inflammatory effects were further examined using an ex vivo human skin explant model. Clinical anti-aging effects were analyzed by assessing skin AGE levels, melanin and erythema indices, skin elasticity, and skin hydration levels. Results: The tested ingredient inhibited AGE formation and accelerated the degradation of pre-formed AGEs in vitro. A significant reduction in skin AGE levels, reduction of skin melanin and erythema indices, and improvement of skin elasticity and hydration in healthy volunteers were observed after 2 and 4 weeks of test product application. Conclusion: A newly synthesized antioxidant with autophagy-stimulating activity exhibited significant anti-glycation efficacy in both in vitro and clinical studies, suggesting its potential as an effective skin anti-aging ingredient.