Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
A randomized, evaluator-blinded trial showed that a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel (MaiLi-E) significantly improved chin retrusion with acceptable safety and durability to 12 months. An in vitro study mapped the minimum recombinant human hyaluronidase doses needed to dissolve 22 hyaluronic acid fillers, guiding safer reversal of complications. Multi-omics profiling revealed phenoxyethanol’s antimicrobial mechanisms against Cutibacterium acnes phylotypes, informing acne-oriented cosmetic formul
Summary
A randomized, evaluator-blinded trial showed that a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel (MaiLi-E) significantly improved chin retrusion with acceptable safety and durability to 12 months. An in vitro study mapped the minimum recombinant human hyaluronidase doses needed to dissolve 22 hyaluronic acid fillers, guiding safer reversal of complications. Multi-omics profiling revealed phenoxyethanol’s antimicrobial mechanisms against Cutibacterium acnes phylotypes, informing acne-oriented cosmetic formulation.
Research Themes
- Aesthetic injectables: efficacy and safety
- Filler complication management and hyaluronidase dosing
- Cosmetic microbiology and preservative mechanisms
Selected Articles
1. Efficacy and Safety of Chin Augmentation Using MaiLi-E, a Lidocaine-Containing Cross-Linked Sodium Hyaluronate Gel.
In a multicenter randomized, evaluator-blinded, delayed-treatment controlled trial (n=159), MaiLi‑E significantly improved chin retrusion at 6 months (64.2% responders vs 20.8% control; P<0.0001), with high participant-rated aesthetic improvement (91.5%) and durability to 12 months. Adverse events occurred in 64.8% overall, but treatment-related AEs were low (5.0%).
Impact: This CONSORT-like randomized evidence directly informs efficacy, durability, and safety of a new hyaluronic acid filler for chin augmentation. It fills a clinical evidence gap in aesthetic injectables with blinded evaluation and a delayed-treatment control.
Clinical Implications: Supports MaiLi‑E as an effective option for mild-to-severe chin retrusion with benefits lasting up to 12 months; informs patient counseling, follow-up scheduling, and risk–benefit discussions based on blinded outcomes and AE rates.
Key Findings
- Responder rate at 6 months: 64.2% (MaiLi‑E) vs 20.8% (control), P<0.0001
- Participant Global Aesthetic Improvement: 91.5% (MaiLi‑E) vs 0.0% (control)
- Efficacy maintained in most participants at 12 months
- Adverse events in 64.8% overall; treatment-related AEs in 5.0%
Methodological Strengths
- Prospective multicenter randomized design with evaluator blinding
- Delayed-treatment control minimizing ethical concerns and assessor bias
Limitations
- No active comparator against other fillers; generalizability limited to chin retrusion
- Patient blinding not described; long-term safety beyond 12 months not assessed
Future Directions: Head-to-head trials versus other HA fillers, inclusion of diverse populations, standardized patient-reported outcomes, and longer-term safety surveillance.
BACKGROUND: MaiLi-E is a lidocaine-containing cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel for dermal filling. This prospective, multicenter, randomized, delayed-treatment controlled, evaluator-blinded clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MaiLi-E for chin augmentation. METHODS: Participants with mild-to-moderate-severe chin retrusion were enrolled and randomized (2:1) to receive MaiLi-E at study onset (MaiLi-E group) or six months later (control group). The primary efficacy endpoint was the response rate of chin retrusion improvement, defined as the percentage of participants whose China (Allergan) Chin Retrusion Scale score improved by ≥1 point from baseline, assessed by independent investigators at Month 6 post-injection for the MaiLi-E group and Month 6 post-randomization for the control group. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs) and treatment-related AEs. RESULTS: Between September 2022 and January 2023, 159 participants were enrolled (MaiLi-E group, n = 106; control group, n = 53). Response rates of chin retrusion improvement were 64.2% (95% CI 55.0-73.3%) in the MaiLi-E group and 20.8% (95% CI 9.8-31.7%) in the control group (P < 0.0001). Improvement rates of the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale evaluated by participants were 91.5% (95% CI 86.2-96.8%) in the MaiLi-E group and 0.0% (95% CI 0.0-0.0%) in the control group. Response was maintained in most participants at Month 12 post-treatment. Participant satisfaction rates were 72.6% in the MaiLi-E and 74.5% in the control group. 64.8% of participants experienced AEs, and 5.0% experienced treatment-related AEs from the initial treatment to Month 6 after the last injection. CONCLUSION: MaiLi-E is effective and safe in correcting mild-to-moderate-severe chin retrusion. Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
2. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of the antimicrobial activity of phenoxyethanol against phylotype IA1 and II Cutibacterium acnes.
Phenoxyethanol inhibited Cutibacterium acnes IA1 and II phylotypes with an MIC of 0.5% (v/v), with stronger sub-MIC inhibition of the II strain. Multi-omics showed membrane disruption, broad metabolic pathway perturbations, downregulation of porphyrin metabolism genes, and phylotype-specific shifts in glycolysis and the Wood–Werkman cycle.
Impact: Elucidating phylotype-specific antimicrobial mechanisms links a widely used cosmetic preservative to acne-relevant pathways (porphyrin metabolism), guiding formulation choices and potential therapeutic repurposing.
Clinical Implications: Suggests phenoxyethanol could reduce C. acnes burden and porphyrin-associated inflammation; however, clinical efficacy, tolerability on human skin, and optimal concentrations require validation.
Key Findings
- MIC against C. acnes IA1 and II phylotypes was 0.5% (v/v)
- Sub-MIC inhibition was stronger for the II strain (CCSM0331)
- RNA-seq and metabolomics showed membrane disruption and metabolic pathway perturbations
- Porphyrin metabolism gene expression was significantly reduced
- Glycolysis and Wood–Werkman cycle inhibited in II but enhanced in IA1
Methodological Strengths
- Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling
- Comparison across two clinically relevant C. acnes phylotypes with MIC determination
Limitations
- In vitro study with limited number of strains; clinical translation uncertain
- Formulation-relevant concentrations and skin tolerability not evaluated in humans
Future Directions: Validate effects in skin models and clinical studies, define safe and effective concentrations, and assess phylotype-resolved responses in vivo.
AIMS: Phenoxyethanol is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent widely used in cosmetic formulations. However, its antibacterial effects on different skin bacteria, particularly the predominant Cutibacterium acnes and its various phylotypes, remain unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the antimicrobial effects of phenoxyethanol on C. acnes and explore the mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: Phenoxyethanol exhibited strong antimicrobial effects against both C. acnes ATCC6919 (phylotype IA1) and CCSM0331 (phylotype II), achieving a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5% (v/v). Sub-MIC concentrations showed a stronger inhibitory effect on CCSM0331. RNA-seq and metabolomic analyses revealed that phenoxyethanol disrupted cell membrane integrity and influenced essential metabolic pathways, such as energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. Additionally, glycolysis and the Wood-Werkman cycle were inhibited in CCSM0331 but enhanced in ATCC6919. The expression of genes involved in porphyrin metabolism, associated with inflammation, was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Phenoxyethanol exhibits the antimicrobial activity against C. acnes, with differential effects on phylotypes, targeting critical metabolic pathways and cellular processes. These findings indicate its potential for acne treatment.
3. Identifying Minimum Single Dose of Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase for In Vitro Dissolution of Twenty-Two Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.
Across 22 commercially available HA fillers, the minimum single dose of recombinant human hyaluronidase to achieve complete dissolution within 6 hours ranged from 2.5 to 140 units per 0.2 ml, with consistent results across triplicate trials. Several Juvéderm and Restylane products required ≤20 U, whereas RHA 2/3/4, Belotero Volume, Juvéderm Ultra XC/Volux, Restylane Kysse, and Revanesse Versa needed ≥120 U.
Impact: Provides quantitative, product-specific hyaluronidase dosing guidance that can reduce overuse and adverse effects during urgent management of filler complications.
Clinical Implications: Clinicians can tailor hyaluronidase dosing by filler type when reversing overcorrection, Tyndall effect, or vascular compromise, potentially improving safety and efficiency.
Key Findings
- Minimum single RHH dose per 0.2 ml ranged from 2.5 to 140 units across 22 fillers
- Least resistant fillers (e.g., Volbella, Vollure, Skinvive, Restylane-L/Lyft/Silk) required ≤20 units
- Most resistant fillers (RHA 2/3/4, Belotero Volume, Juvéderm Ultra XC/Volux, Restylane Kysse, Revanesse Versa) required ≥120 units
- Results were consistent across three independent trials per filler
Methodological Strengths
- Standardized in vitro protocol with predefined dose titrations and triplicate trials
- Objective documentation via serial photography and video confirmation of dissolution
Limitations
- In vitro conditions may not reflect tissue diffusion and in vivo enzymatic kinetics
- No assessment of clinical outcomes, adverse reactions, or patient-level variability
Future Directions: Validate dosing in ex vivo tissue models and clinical settings; integrate rheological properties to predict dose; develop bedside dosing algorithms.
PURPOSE: As the use of hyaluronic acid fillers continues to increase for clinical and aesthetic purposes, associated complications continue to rise as well. Excess hyaluronidase is often used to dissolve filler, which has its own set of adverse effects. This study analyzes 22 commercially available fillers to delineate the lowest single dose of recombinant human hyaluronidase (RHH) required to fully dissolve each filler within 6 hours across 3 trials. METHODS: Aliquots in 0.2 ml amounts of each of 22 hyaluronic acid fillers were placed in wells. A single dose of RHH, titrated to a minimum volume of 0.45 cc, was administered to the center of the aliquot, to a maximum of 140 units. RHH amounts were as follows: 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, or 140 units RHH. Bird's eye and lateral photographs were taken to monitor dissolution progress at several time points over the 6-hour period to monitor aliquot height and appearance changes. Filler aliquots were left undisturbed for 6 hours, after which dissolution was confirmed by stirring the aliquot on video recording. This process was repeated 3 times per filler to determine the minimum dose of RHH required to consistently dissolve each aliquot. RESULTS: For each of the 22 fillers, the minimum dose of RHH required for dissolution was identified with consistent results across 3 trials, demonstrating reliability. Juvéderm Volbella, Juvéderm Vollure, Juvéderm Skinvive, Restylane-L, Restylane Lyft, and Restylane Silk were identified as the least resistant fillers, requiring ≤20 units to dissolve. Resilient hyaluronic acid (RHA) 2, RHA 3, RHA 4, Belotero Volume, Juvéderm Ultra XC, Juvéderm Volux, Restylane Kysse, and Revanesse Versa were classified as most resistant, requiring ≥120 units to dissolve. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies the minimum single dose of RHH from 2.5 units/0.2 ml to 140 units/0.2 ml for dissolution of 22 different hyaluronic acid fillers over 6 hours. These results paired with previous studies help elucidate the dissolution profiles of each filler in the context of their rheological properties, further informing physicians on how to optimally dissolve different hyaluronic acid fillers in a clinical setting.