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Skin AgingNCT07722351

Homocysteic Acid Biostimulator for Photoaged Facial Skin

A study testing Chemical skin biostimulation with ammonium trichloroacetate and homocysteic acid in people with Skin Aging and Hyperpigmentation, run by Medical University of Silesia at 1 site in Poland.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study evaluated whether a chemical skin biostimulator containing ammonium trichloroacetate, homocysteic acid, phytic acid and citric acid can improve signs of photoaged skin in women with mature skin. Twenty-five women received four treatment sessions two weeks apart, followed by a home-care skincare regimen. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 39 to 69 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Skin Aging, Hyperpigmentation
What is being tested?
Chemical skin biostimulation with ammonium trichloroacetate and homocysteic acid
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
25 participants
Where
1 sitePoland
Study dates
29 Oct 2025to 1 Apr 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 39 to 69 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Female, Fitzpatrick skin phototype II
  • Age 39-69 years
  • Clinical signs of facial photoaging
  • Some participants had hyperpigmentation (melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)

Who cannot join

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Ongoing hormone therapy
  • Systemic corticosteroid use within 3 months prior to inclusion
  • Topical retinoid use within 1 month, or oral retinoid use within 6 months, prior to treatment
  • Chemical peel procedures within 1 month prior to treatment
  • Use of arbutin and/or hydroquinone within 3 months prior to treatment
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Laser-based treatments within 3 months prior to treatment
  • Active inflammatory dermatoses
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Renal impairment

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Poland1 site

  • Department of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice

    Sosnowiec

Other trials in Poland

About this study

Official title: Instrumental Assessment of a Homocysteic Acid-containing Chemical Skin Biostimulator in the Management of Photoaged Mature Skin

This study evaluated whether a chemical skin biostimulator containing ammonium trichloroacetate, homocysteic acid, phytic acid and citric acid can improve signs of photoaged skin in women with mature skin. Twenty-five women received four treatment sessions two weeks apart, followed by a home-care skincare regimen. Skin firmness, wrinkles, skin texture, hydration, sebum production and, in participants with hyperpigmentation, skin tone uniformity were measured before treatment and at 2 and 12 weeks after the treatment series to determine whether the biostimulator produces lasting improvement in photoaged skin without the downtime associated with traditional chemical peels.

Read the detailed description

This was a single-arm, prospective, open-label study conducted at a single academic centre to assess the clinical and instrumental effects of a chemical skin biostimulator (PRX plus, WiQO, Trieste, Italy) on facial photoaging. The intervention combines ammonium trichloroacetate (ATCA), a controlled-penetration TCA derivative intended to stimulate dermal fibroblast activity and collagen remodelling, with homocysteic acid (HoA), a novel antioxidant and NMDA-receptor-modulating molecule proposed to influence keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal barrier function and melanocyte activity, together with low concentrations of phytic and citric acids providing mild keratolytic and antioxidant effects. Treatment consisted of a standardised four-session protocol (three product layers per session) applied to defined facial regions of interest, combined with a daytime regenerating cream, a nighttime glycolic-acid-containing fluid, and, in participants with hyperpigmentation, a twice-daily lightening serum. Outcomes were assessed instrumentally using Cutometer (skin viscoelasticity), Antera 3D (wrinkle volume and surface texture), corneometry and sebumetry (hydration and sebum), and grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis of standardised cross-polarised photographs (skin tone homogeneity in the hyperpigmented subgroup), at baseline, 2 weeks after the final session, and 12 weeks after completion of the treatment series, to characterise both the immediate and sustained effects of the intervention.

Being tested
Chemical skin biostimulation with ammonium trichloroacetate and homocysteic acid
Keywords
chemical skin biostimulator, photoaging, homocysteic acid, ammonium trichloroacetate, skin elasticity, wrinkle reduction, melasma, Cutometer, Antera 3D, grey-level co-occurrence matrix
Medical subject headings
Hyperpigmentation, Melanosis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Chemical skin biostimulation with ammonium trichloroacetate and homocysteic acidProcedure or surgery

    Also called PRX plus

    A four-session chemical skin biostimulation procedure using a topical formulation containing ammonium trichloroacetate (ATCA), homocysteic acid (HoA), phytic acid and citric acid (PRX plus, WiQO, Trieste, Italy). At each session, three product layers were applied to predefined facial areas (forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, upper lip) with massage until absorption, followed by cold-water rinse. Sessions were repeated at 14-day intervals. Participants additionally followed a standardised home-care regimen: a regenerating shea-butter cream each morning, a glycolic-acid-containing fluid each evening, and, for participants with hyperpigmentation, a lightening serum applied twice daily to affected areas, together with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+).

Study groups in NCT07722351
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Chemical skin biostimulator (ATCA/HoA) plus home-care regimenExperimentalWomen with clinical signs of facial photoaging received four sessions, at 14-day intervals, of a topical chemical skin biostimulator containing ammonium trichloroacetate (ATCA), homocysteic acid (HoA), phytic acid and citric acid (PRX plus, WiQO), followed by a standardised home-care regimen consisting of a regenerating cream (morning), a glycolic-acid-containing fluid (evening), and, in participants with hyperpigmentation, a lightening serum applied twice daily to affected areas.
Receives: Procedure: Chemical skin biostimulation with ammonium trichloroacetate and homocysteic acid

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change From Baseline in Skin Viscoelasticity (Cutometer R2, R5, R7)

    Skin viscoelasticity assessed by Cutometer, reported as gross elasticity (R2), net elasticity (R5) and biological elasticity (R7); each is a dimensionless ratio ranging from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating greater skin elasticity.

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

  2. Change From Baseline in Wrinkle Volume (Antera 3D)

    Wrinkle volume at the nasolabial folds, glabellar lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet, measured in mm³ by Antera 3D three-dimensional imaging.

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

  3. Change From Baseline in Skin Texture Score (Antera 3D)

    A proprietary continuous index from the Antera 3D imaging software (Miravex) reflecting skin surface irregularity, with no manufacturer-published fixed range; observed values in this study ranged from approximately 20 to 55, with higher values indicating rougher skin.

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

  4. Change From Baseline in Skin Roughness (Antera 3D, Ra)

    Arithmetic roughness (Ra), measured in micrometres (µm) by Antera 3D.

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

  5. Change From Baseline in Maximum Wrinkle Height (Antera 3D)

    Maximum surface height of wrinkles, measured in millimetres (mm) by Antera 3D.

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

  6. Change From Baseline in Skin Hydration

    Skin hydration measured by corneometry (arbitrary corneometer units).

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

  7. Change From Baseline in Sebum Secretion

    Sebum secretion measured by sebumetry.

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

  8. Change From Baseline in Skin Tone Contrast (GLCM) in Participants With Hyperpigmentation

    Grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) contrast index in the hyperpigmented subgroup (n=14), assessed from standardised cross-polarised photographs.

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

  9. Change From Baseline in Skin Tone Homogeneity (GLCM) in Participants With Hyperpigmentation

    Grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) homogeneity index (range 0-1; higher values indicate greater uniformity) in the hyperpigmented subgroup (n=14).

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series

Secondary outcomes (4)

  1. Change in Self-Assessed Facial Appearance, Neck Appearance, Wrinkle Depth, and Skin Firmness

    Participants' perceived change in facial appearance, neck appearance, wrinkle depth, and skin firmness after the treatment series, each rated on a Likert scale from -5 (marked worsening) to +5 (marked improvement), with 0 indicating no change.

    Measured: Immediately after the fourth treatment session (each session is a single-day clinic visit; the four sessions were administered at 14-day intervals), compared with baseline

  2. Satisfaction With Wrinkle-Reduction and Firming Effects

    Participants' satisfaction with the wrinkle-reduction effect and with the firming effect of the treatment, each rated on a scale from 0 (not satisfied at all) to 10 (extremely satisfied).

    Measured: Immediately after the fourth treatment session (each session is a single-day clinic visit; the four sessions were administered at 14-day intervals)

  3. Proportion of Participants Satisfied With Facial and Neck Appearance

    Percentage of participants reporting satisfaction with the appearance of their face and neck, assessed before treatment and after the treatment series.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after the fourth treatment session (each session is a single-day clinic visit; the four sessions were administered at 14-day intervals)

  4. Percentage Retention of Maximal Improvement in Wrinkle Volume and Skin Texture at 12 Weeks

    Persistence of the treatment effect, calculated as the percentage of the maximal improvement (observed at 2 weeks) that was retained at 12 weeks, for wrinkle volume and skin texture/roughness parameters measured by Antera 3D.

    Measured: 2 weeks and 12 weeks after the treatment series

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted23 Jul 2026
  2. Study start29 Oct 2025
  3. Primary completion1 Apr 2026
  4. Study completion1 Apr 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
25 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07722351
Sponsor's protocol ID
KNW/0022/KB1/27/16
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
9 Jul 2026
Last updated
23 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: The individual participant data underlying the results reported in this article are included in the article and its supplementary materials. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Publications

  • Chen FP, Lee N, Soong YK, Huang KE. Short- and long-term effects of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. Chang Gung Med J. 2001 Jul;24(7):431-9.

    PubMed 11565249

  • FORBES JI. Myasthenia gravis in an African woman. Cent Afr J Med. 1960 Jul;6:295-7. No abstract available.

    PubMed 13823881

  • Houshmand EB. Effect of glycolic acid, phytic acid, soothing complex containing Emulsion on Hyperpigmentation and skin luminosity: A clinical evaluation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Mar;20(3):776-780. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13950. Epub 2021 Feb 2.

    PubMed 33458927

  • Genever PG, Maxfield SJ, Kennovin GD, Maltman J, Bowgen CJ, Raxworthy MJ, Skerry TM. Evidence for a novel glutamate-mediated signaling pathway in keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol. 1999 Mar;112(3):337-42. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.1999.00509.x.

    PubMed 10084312

  • Cuenod M, Do KQ, Herrling PL, Turski WA, Matute C, Streit P. Homocysteic acid, an endogenous agonist of NMDA-receptor: release, neuroactivity and localization. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1986;203:253-62. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4684-7971-3_19. No abstract available.

    PubMed 2878563

  • Passeron T, Picardo M. Melasma, a photoaging disorder. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2018 Jul;31(4):461-465. doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12684. Epub 2018 Jan 12.

    PubMed 29285880

  • Shin JW, Kwon SH, Choi JY, Na JI, Huh CH, Choi HR, Park KC. Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Aging and Antiaging Approaches. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Apr 29;20(9):2126. doi: 10.3390/ijms20092126.

    PubMed 31036793

  • Gromkowska-Kepka KJ, Puscion-Jakubik A, Markiewicz-Zukowska R, Socha K. The impact of ultraviolet radiation on skin photoaging - review of in vitro studies. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Nov;20(11):3427-3431. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14033. Epub 2021 Mar 13.

    PubMed 33655657

  • Miao F, Wan J, Zhou Y, Shi Y. Unraveling Melasma: From Epidermal Pigmentation to Microenvironmental Dysregulation. Biology (Basel). 2025 Oct 13;14(10):1402. doi: 10.3390/biology14101402.

    PubMed 41154805

  • Lee H, Hong Y, Kim M. Structural and Functional Changes and Possible Molecular Mechanisms in Aged Skin. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov 19;22(22):12489. doi: 10.3390/ijms222212489.

    PubMed 34830368

  • Ni J, Wang N, Gao L, Li L, Zheng S, Liu Y, Ozukum M, Nikiforova A, Zhao G, Song Z. The effect of the NMDA receptor-dependent signaling pathway on cell morphology and melanosome transfer in melanocytes. J Dermatol Sci. 2016 Dec;84(3):296-304. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2016.08.534. Epub 2016 Aug 24.

    PubMed 27596138

  • Kaltchenko MV, Chien AL. Photoaging: Current Concepts on Molecular Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2025 May;26(3):321-344. doi: 10.1007/s40257-025-00933-z. Epub 2025 Mar 12.

    PubMed 40072791

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Chemical skin biostimulation with ammonium trichloroacetate and homocysteic acid in people with Skin Aging and Hyperpigmentation, run by Medical University of Silesia at 1 site in Poland.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change From Baseline in Skin Viscoelasticity (Cutometer R2, R5, R7) (time frame: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment series). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07722351, which also lists 12 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.

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