So-called 'sex-specific fat' appears to be physiologically advantageous, but it has a cosmetic downside as well. A pool of functional ingredients, principally represented by botanical extracts, was selected to treat this condition, specifically for people intimidated by other more invasive approaches. The topical product was formulated using ingredients aimed at two specific actions; adipolysis and microcirculation stimulation [1-4]. The product was conceived for night-time application because during the night the body releases Growth Hormone, which activates adipolysis and blood flow, and the skin barrier function and metabolic rate are also more active. We aimed at assessing the effect of the topical product vs. placebo through an in vivo evaluation protocol, performed using a skin bioengineering method, namely ultrasonography, and clinical evaluation. The protocol was conducted as a double-blind, active vs. placebo trial (form. N°690 vs. form. N°1362), on 100 subjects enrolled by two research centres (Pavia and Rome, Italy), over a 4 week period, during which volunteers were checked four times, both clinically and instrumentally. At the end of the trial, both centres agreed on the slimming effects of the topical product. Tolerability was good. The enrolled volunteers expressed their full satisfaction regarding the product under study.
© 2012 The Authors. ICS © 2012 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.