Photo courtesy L’Oréal Paris USA.com
L’Oreal Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler ($19.14, Amazon.com) claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a collagen-based filler. According to the company, “in 1 week, 38% saw fewer forehead wrinkles…In 3 weeks, 46% saw fewer forehead wrinkles.” However, similar percentages of satisfaction have been reported for well-packaged placebo products. Still, let’s give L’Oreal Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler a fair assessment, shall we? 🙂 Here goes…
Boswelox®
Boswelox® is the registered trademark name for B. serrata extract. According to a 2004 study in Contact Dermatitis:
“B. serrata is a tree from the Burseraceae family commonly found in India, northern Africa and the Middle East. Strips of its bark yield a gummy oleoresin which contains oils, terpenoids and gum. Its active principle consists of 4 pentacyclic triterpenes, β-boswellic acid being the major one. Extracts of this oleoresin have been used as a folk medicine for centuries in Ayurdevic medicine in India. Boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory properties inhibiting leukotriene biosynthesis via non-competitive inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Boswellia extract tablets have been employed for asthma, arthritic conditions and ulcerative colitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.” Topical administration for cutaneous burns and ulcers or as a cosmetic agent is increasingly being used in Western countries, although there is limited scientific evidence about its safety and effectiveness.”
According to the study in Contact Dermatitis, only one instance of side effects – contact dermatitis – had been reported at the time, although more instances were anticipated due to the ingredient’s increasing inclusion in cosmetic products. If you experience symptoms, talk to your physician or dermatologist.
Atelocollagen
Atelocollagen has recently been recognized as an effective delivery agent for proteins, DNA, and RNA. Unfortunately, delivery of atelocollagen into the skin has not as of yet been shown to stimulate collagen production. Collagen has only been demonstrated to be an effective hydrating reagent in skin care products.
More of a cosmetic product than anything else
According to the company, the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines is softened and diffused by up to 20% immediately upon use. This is due to two major factors: one, the inclusion of cyclohexasiloxane, which is a silicone-based filler, and two, the hydrating ingredients, which temporarily plump up the skin, creating the illusion of firmness. However, none of the ingredients in this product are well-recognized to stimulate collagen production or relax muscles.
Overall Opinions…
I would not buy this product. With so many collagen-stimulating and wrinkle-relaxing treatments available in the cosmeceuticals market and from your dermatologist, why bother with L’Oreal Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler as merely a cosmetic treatment? Product Rating: 2/10. (Value for the money: 1/3. New technology: 1/3. High concentrations of proven ingredients: 0/3. Sunscreen: 0/1).
Product Ingredients
Water – Aqua , Glycerin , Squalane , Shea Butter – Butyrospermum Parkii , Cyclohexasiloxane , Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate , Poly C10-39 Alkyl Acrylate , Sucrose Stearate , Beeswax – Cera Alba , Cyclopentasiloxane , Sodium Polyacrylate , Stearic Acid , Silica , Paraffin , Dipropylene Glycol , Tocopheryl Acetate , Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer , Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate , Dimethiconol , Manganese Gluconate , Padina Pavonica Extract – Padina Pavonica , Boswellia Serrata Extract – Boswellia Serrata , Sodium Hyaluronate , Atelocollagen , Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate , Silica Dimethyl Silylate , Sodium Hydroxide , Methylparaben , Propylparaben , Chlorphenesin , Phenoxyethanol , Fragrance – Parfum , Butylphenyl Methylpropional , Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone , Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde , Benzyl Salicylate , Linalool , Hexyl Cinnamal , Citronellol