Unveiling the Anti-aging Potential of a mix of Grifola frondosa, Peptides, and Rhamnose: Epidermal and Dermal Rejuvenation Performance. An In vitro Comparison with Retinol, Retinoic Acid and Vitamin C
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Abstract
Skin aging is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon. While retinoids and vitamin C are considered gold standards in anti-aging, their side effects can be problematic. In this context, we have developed a novel combination of active ingredients: maitake, a peptide complex, and rhamnose, designed to improve the signs of aging by primarily targeting collagen. This study aimed to compare, in vitro, the effects of our new combination with those of retinol, retinoic acid, and vitamin C.
The different treatments were evaluated in a human skin model reconstituted in vitro from aged cells by measuring epidermal thickness and the expression of key biomarkers in the epidermis, the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ), and the dermis. The efficacy of each treatment was then compared using a scoring system.
Our combination of active ingredients significantly reversed the aged phenotype by restoring epidermal thickness and stimulating hyaluronic acid production as well as the expression of key proteins such as DSG-1 and Collagens I, IV, V, VI, and VI. This mix demonstrated overall performance comparable to that of retinol, but superior to that of retinoic acid and vitamin C.
These results show that this new combination is a promising anti-aging solution, offering comprehensive action and potentially improved tolerability. In vivo clinical studies will be necessary to confirm these promising in vitro results.
Graphical abstract: This study evaluates and compares the anti-aging efficacy of [MAI: M3K: RHA] mix, Retinol, Retinoic acid and Ascorbic acid in a reconstructed human aged skin by measuring their capacity to reverse the aged phenotype.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Juchaux F, et al.
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