Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Cream Containing Caprylamide MEA for the Improvement of Facial Hyperpigmentation 카프릴아마이드엠이에이 함유 크림의 안면 과색소침착 개선 효과 및 안전성 평가
정유라 Yu Ra Jung , 최은비 Eun Bi Choi , 박묘현 Myo Hyeon Park , 황정환 Jeonghwan Hwang , 박미영 Miyoung Park
52(3) 207-215, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.207
정유라 Yu Ra Jung , 최은비 Eun Bi Choi , 박묘현 Myo Hyeon Park , 황정환 Jeonghwan Hwang , 박미영 Miyoung Park
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.207
Abstract
Caprylamide MEA is a novel ceramide derivative that has previously demonstrated depigmenting activity through autophagy-mediated melanosome degradation. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a cream containing caprylamide MEA for the improvement of facial hyperpigmentation. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical study was conducted in 46 adults aged 18 ∼ 60 years with facial hyperpigmentation. Efficacy was assessed using the melanin index (M.I.), skin brightness (L* value), and investigator visual assessment. After 8 weeks, the Caprylamide MEA cream group showed a significantly greater reduction in Melanin Index than the placebo group (p = 0.013). Skin brightness was also significantly improved in the caprylamide MEA cream group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.002). Investigator visual assessment demonstrated a trend toward improvement in the caprylamide MEA cream group; however, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.613). No serious adverse events or treatment-related safety concerns were reported during the study period. These findings suggest that the caprylamide MEA-containing cream effectively improves facial hyperpigmentation and skin brightness while demonstrating a favorable safety profile. Therefore, caprylamide MEA suggests potential as a functional whitening cosmetic ingredient for improving hyperpigmentation.
Key Words
skin whitening, hyperpigmentation, melanin index, skin brightness, caprylamide MEA
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Anti-inflammatory and Extracellular Matrix Degradation-Inhibiting Effects of Galangin in Keratinocyte and Full-Thickness Artificial Skin Equivalent 각질형성세포 및 전층 인공피부 모델에서 Galangin 의 항염증 및 세포외기질 분해 완화 효과
임하연 Ha Yeon Lim , 이창석 Chang Seok Lee
52(3) 217-230, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.217
임하연 Ha Yeon Lim , 이창석 Chang Seok Lee
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.217
Abstract
Chronic skin inflammation promotes extracellular matrix damage through inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Galangin (GLG) is a natural flavonol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; however, its effects on inflammation-related matrix damage in human skin models remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of GLG on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced inflammatory and matrix-degrading responses in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and a three-dimensional full-thickness human skin equivalent using qRT-PCR, ELISA, gelatin zymography, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. In NHEK cells, GLG reduced the mRNA levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8), as well as MMP-9 secretion, gelatinolytic band intensity, and JNK and c-Jun phosphorylation, whereas p38 phosphorylation was not significantly altered. In the skin equivalent, GLG also reduced the mRNA levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-6, and IL-8 and MMP-9 secretion, while significantly increasing type IV collagen-positive staining intensity at the dermal-epidermal junction and partially attenuating TNF-α-induced alterations in type IV collagen distribution. These findings suggest that GLG attenuates TNF-α-induced inflammatory and matrix-degrading responses and may serve as a potential skin-protective ingredient.
Key Words
full-thickness human skin equivalent, galangin, JNK/c-Jun, matrix metalloproteinase-9, Type IV collagen
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Analysis of Formulation Variables and Short-Term Creaming Stability of Chitosan-Based O/W Emulsions Using Response Surface Methodology 반응표면분석법을 이용한 키토산 기반 O/W 에멀젼의 조성 변수와 단기 크리밍 안정성 분석
안세윤 Seyun Ahn , 김수현 Soohyun Kim , 김영대 Youngdae Kim , 나즈룰핫산 Nazrul Hsan , 성영제 Young Je Seong , 고준석 Joonseok Koh
52(3) 231-244, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.231
안세윤 Seyun Ahn , 김수현 Soohyun Kim , 김영대 Youngdae Kim , 나즈룰핫산 Nazrul Hsan , 성영제 Young Je Seong , 고준석 Joonseok Koh
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.231
Abstract
In this study, the effects of pH, oil fraction, and chitosan concentration on the creaming behavior of chitosan-based oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions after 24 h were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). Creaming stability was evaluated by the creaming index (CI), and a reduced two-factor interaction (reduced 2FI) model was developed using formulations for which CI could be measured. The model was significant (p = 0.0004), with R² and adjusted R² values of 0.8422 and 0.7705, respectively. Oil fraction and chitosan concentration showed significant main effects, while pH × oil fraction and pH × chitosan concentration interactions were also significant. The CI-lowering effect of increasing oil fraction was greater at lower pH and weakened as pH increased. Numerical optimization identified a candidate condition at pH 6.02, 50.65 v/v% oil fraction, and 1.79 wt% chitosan concentration, with a predicted CI of 0.300%. Three independently prepared emulsions showed no visually detectable creaming or formulation failure after 24 h, and no visible phase separation after 7 or 14 days. However, given the limited predictive power and the significant lack of fit, these conditions were interpreted as experimentally verified low-CI candidate conditions rather than definitive optimal points.
Key Words
chitosan, O/W emulsion, creaming index, response surface methodology (RSM), emulsion stability
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The Function of miR-342-5p Targeting N-Alpha Acetyltransferase (NAA10) in Melanoma Cells 흑색종 세포에서 N-Alpha Acetyltransferase (NAA10)를 표적으로 하는 miR-342-5p 의 기능
이정아 Jeong Ah Lee , 백규철 Gyu Cheol Baek , 황재성 Jae Sung Hwang
52(3) 245-256, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.245
이정아 Jeong Ah Lee , 백규철 Gyu Cheol Baek , 황재성 Jae Sung Hwang
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.245
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly metastatic skin cancer, underscoring the need to identify novel therapeutic targets. N-alpha acetyltransferase (NAA10) promotes cancer proliferation, but its function in melanoma remains unclear. Here, we report that miR-342-5p targets the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of NAA10 to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis, thereby suppressing melanoma proliferation, which is accompanied by alterations in the MITF-related pathway. Compared with normal skin, NAA10 expression was significantly elevated in primary and metastatic melanoma. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-342-5p targets the 3′-UTR of NAA10, reducing luciferase activity by 70%. Transfection with miR-342-5p suppressed MNT1 melanoma cell proliferation and cell count, while showing a tendency to decrease colony formation, along with decreasing NAA10 and MITF protein expression. Furthermore, evaluation of E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression alongside apoptosis assays demonstrated that miR-342-5p targeting NAA10 induces apoptosis. Overall, down-regulation of NAA10 by miR-342-5p inhibits MNT1 melanoma growth and proliferation while inducing apoptosis, suggesting that the miR-342-5p/NAA10 axis may be a potential target for melanoma-targeted therapy.
Key Words
melanoma, microRNA, N-alpha acetyltransferase 10, proliferation, apoptosis
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The Effects of Metal Salt Types and Combinations on the Discoloration Stability of Vitamin C in Aqueous Solution 금속 염의 종류 및 조합이 수용액에서 비타민 C 의 변색 안정성에 미치는 영향
최진우 Jin Woo Choi , 김선휘 Seon Hwi Kim , 노호식 Ho Sik Rho
52(3) 257-266, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.257
최진우 Jin Woo Choi , 김선휘 Seon Hwi Kim , 노호식 Ho Sik Rho
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.257
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, and it is known that its oxidation is accelerated in the presence of metal ions. However, previous studies have reported contradictory findings in which metal hydroxides improved the discoloration stability of vitamin C despite containing metal ions. Based on the hypothesis that this difference arises from the anionic species of metal salts, this study compared the discoloration stability of vitamin C in the presence of Group 1 metal chlorides, including lithium chloride (LC), sodium chloride (SC), and potassium chloride (PC), and metal hydroxides, including lithium hydroxide (LH), sodium hydroxide (SH), and potassium hydroxide (PH). Metal hydroxides exhibited greater discoloration stability than metal chlorides. This was interpreted as a result of vitamin C deprotonation by hydroxide ions, followed by chelate bonding between the resulting ascorbate and metal ions, thereby delaying oxidation. In addition, the effect of zinc chloride (ZC), a divalent metal chloride, on vitamin C stability was investigated after chelate bonding had been induced between SH and vitamin C. As a result, the highest stability was observed under conditions where SH and ZC were treated together. This suggests the possibility that stability improved as the chelate bond with Na⁺ was converted to a chelate bond with Zn²⁺.
Key Words
vitamin coxidation, vitamin cstability, metal chloride, metal hydroxide, chelate exchange
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Development of an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid/Ceramide Hydrogel Platform and Evaluation of Its Effects on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function 초고분자량 히알루론산/세라마이드 하이드로겔 플랫폼의 개발 및 피부 보습·장벽 개선 효능 평가
백병열 Byung Ryol Paik , 장지욱 Ji Wook Jang , 김정환 Jeonghwan Kim , 조성연 Sung Yeon Cho , 박세라 Sae Ra Park , 백흥수 Heung Soo Baek , 조성아 Seonga Cho , 최동원 Dongwon Choi
52(3) 267-277, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.267
백병열 Byung Ryol Paik , 장지욱 Ji Wook Jang , 김정환 Jeonghwan Kim , 조성연 Sung Yeon Cho , 박세라 Sae Ra Park , 백흥수 Heung Soo Baek , 조성아 Seonga Cho , 최동원 Dongwon Choi
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.267
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely used in cosmetics owing to its moisturizing properties. In particular, ultra-hig-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (UHMW-HA) exhibits superior water-retention capacity through formation of a unique polymer network. In this study, we developed a UHMW-HA-based crosslinked hydrogel capable of stably encapsulating hydrophobic ceramide and evaluated its effects on skin hydration and barrier function. To overcome limitations of conventional crosslinkers such as 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE), trisodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), a cosmetic-applicable crosslinker, was employed. The HA/ceramide hydrogel showed a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of 1.81 × 10⁸ Da and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 2.52 × 10⁸ Da. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirmed intermolecular interactions and stable ceramide encapsulation within the hydrogel network. In an ex vivo human skin explant model, the hydrogel remained within the stratum corneum up to 18 h after application. The hydrogel was readily dispersed in aqueous formulations without re-emulsification. Clinical evaluation demonstrated greater skin hydration and lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) than a non-crosslinked HA/ceramide mixture. qPCR analysis showed increased expression of CASP14, LOR, and FLG. An ampoule containing 10% HA/ceramide hydrogel improved skin hydration and increased DEJ-related thickness by 23.98%. These results suggest that the HA/ceramide hydrogel is a promising platform for improving skin hydration and barrier function.
Key Words
ultra-high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, ceramide, hydrogel, skin barrier, moisturization
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Protective Effects of Saponaria officinalis Extract Against Cadmium-Induced Inflammation in HaCaT HaCaT 에서 카드뮴에 의해 유도된 염증에 대한 Saponaria officinalis 추출물의 보호 효과
김보애 Ba-ae Kim
52(3) 279-285, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.279
김보애 Ba-ae Kim
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.3.279
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Saponaria officinalis extract against cadmium-induced inflammation in keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). First, an assessment of cell viability in HaCaT cells treated with S. officinalis showed no toxicity at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL, while a viability of 72.80% was observed at 800 μg/mL. Cadmium showed a survival rate of 49.93% at 100 μM, and a series of experiments were conducted after determining the dose-limiting concentration. Pre-treatment with S. officinalis extract followed by cadmium exposure resulted in a concentration-dependent recovery of cell viability. Evaluation of nitric oxide (NO) levels revealed 21.41 μM in the group treated with cadmium alone, whereas levels were 19.47, 18.71, 15.47, and 12.91 μM in groups treated with the extract at 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL, respectively. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were 1.04 ng/mL and 0.87 ng/mL in the groups treated with 200 and 400 μg/mL of the extract, respectively, showing a decreasing trend compared to the cadmium-only group. Analysis of iNOS and COX-2 expression showed levels of 1.59 and 1.58, respectively, in the cadmium-only group, whereas treatment with 400 μg/mL of S. officinalis extract reduced expression levels to 1.26 and 0.86, respectively. These results suggest that S. officinalis extract has potential anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting cadmium-induced cellular damage, indicating its p otential u se as a n atural m aterial for skin p rotection.
Key Words
Saponaria officinalis, cadmium, keratinocytes, cytoprotection, anti-inflammatory
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