New Cysteamine and Isobionicamide Formulation Can Rejuvenate Aging Skin

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A novel case study found that combining cysteamine and isobionicamide created a safe and effective topical formulation for skin-rejuvenating and anti-aging.¹ After 16 weeks of treatment, the skin was more luminous and even with reduced fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

The study was conducted in the United States at the Precision Skin Institute of Florida. It included 7 male and female patients between the ages of 25 and 70 with Fitzpatrick skin types ranging from I to VI.

After discontinuing any depigmenting treatments for 14 days, the product was applied once daily for 16 weeks. Participants were also given a cleanser, short-contact mask, and leave-on cream to complete the rest of the routine. They were also instructed to apply sunscreen twice a day.

Clinical photos, examinations, and quality of life questionnaires were completed at baseline and week 16. Dermatologists scored overall skin appearance, skin texture, radiance, wrinkles, pigmentation, evenness of skin tone, presence of dark spots, age spots, and ratings of improvement. Patients also filled out a self-assessment.

The investigators' and patients’ assessment of the skin aligned consistently, with results being observed as early as 2 to 4 weeks. Skin tone improved in terms of evenness, uniformity, and reduced contrasts with no halo effect observed. Age spots were brightened, confirming the depigmenting action of the formula.

The number and volume of wrinkles were also reduced. Patients saw less texture and improved hydration, making the skin appear more radiant and rejuvenated. Clinicians confirmed that the skin was overall healthier and younger-looking. Additionally, patients’ quality of life was improved by over 35% after 16 weeks (p < 0.05). Clinicians saw no signs of erythema, photosensitivity, irritation, or dryness, indicating very good tolerance and safety.

Randomized pictures of the participants were given to 7 volunteers, who were asked to determine which photos were taken before the study and which were taken after. Over 75% of these evaluators said that the person in the “after” picture appeared younger than the “before” pictures. On average, participants appeared 2.2 years younger.

Stabilized cysteamine, a potent endogenous antioxidant, has recently become more readily available for topical use, especially for treating patients with pigmentary disorders. Isobionicamide is an isomer of niacinamide and has proven to be a potent melanosomal transfer inhibitor. When combined, the 2 had a synergistic effect on tyrosinase inhibition, according to another recent trial.²

“We speculate that iron chelation and reduction of oxidative stress could be additional mechanisms through which the tested cysteamine-based product delivered the antiaging effects observed in the current case series,” the authors wrote. “In addition, it is likely that other molecules present in the tested formulation, such as retinol and vitamin C derivatives, such as ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, could have contributed, in concert with cysteamine, to the observed rejuvenating effects.”

There were some study limitations, such as the small number of patients and lack of objective measurements. Larger studies with more qualitative data can better understand the formulation’s in-depth mechanisms of action.

“We believe that our case series helps shed some light on the rejuvenating potential of the topical cysteamine isobionic-amide complex,” the authors concluded. “The product may be used as well in conjunction with in-office procedures such as ablative and non-ablative laser therapies, acid peel resurfacing, or microdermabrasion.”

References

1. Clark-Loeser L, Sfriso R, Dirlewanger L, Kasraee B. A Case Series With Cysteamine-Isobionicamide Complex: Clues for Skin-Rejuvenating Activity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(1):e16743. doi:10.1111/jocd.16743

2. Sachdev M, Grimes PE, Callender V, et al. Cysteamine Isobionic-Amide Complex Versus Kligman's Formula for the Treatment of Melasma: Equal Efficacy and Rapid Onset of Action. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(2):9-16. doi:10.36849/JDD.7428