Best natural anti wrinkle: nature’s answer to well-aging beauty

The quest to find the best natural anti wrinkle emerges from a very human longing: the universal desire for youthful skin. When aligned with current preferences for natural solutions, this urge turns into a truly transformational force for both consumers and cosmetic brands. 

Labeled as the “well-aging” movement, this represents a profound shift in narratives around aging. Today, the focus is on understanding aging as a natural process, one where aging gracefully stands out as the ultimate goal. In this journey, natural ingredients and the best natural anti wrinkle prove to be invaluable allies. 

Advanced cosmetic science is currently advancing groundbreaking well-aging breakthroughs by exploring natural ingredients. In this context, ingredients such as Homeostatine™, Wonderage™ and Linefill™ stand out for their potential to open the door to a new era of well-aging and the search for the best natural anti wrinkle.

The science of wrinkles: understanding the aging process to find the best natural anti wrinkle

Aging skin exhibits a series of characteristics: from a decrease in collagen and elastin, to a loss of hydration and elasticity and the formation of wrinkles. 

Scientific approaches to understanding these processes have yielded key insights into the inner workings of aging. For instance, dermal thickness has been shown to drop to about 20% in old age  (Freedberg IM, 2005), with aging also reducing the amount of glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronic acid in particular), thus impairing dermal moisture and skin smoothness. Additionally, the integrity of collagen, elastin and other dermal connective tissue components also become altered, ultimately producing an imbalance in the dermal extracellular matrix.

Looking at the underlying mechanisms behind these features reveals diverse causes, including the “free radical theory, inflammation theory, photoaging theory, and metabolic theory” (He et al., 2024).

Generally speaking, it’s possible to categorize skin aging causes in the following two categories: 

• Intrinsic aging factors:
  • Genetics and predisposition to certain skin conditions. For instance, “a variety of genetic disorders of mitochondrial dysfunction are characterized by premature aging” (Natarelli et al., 2024).
  • Hormonal changes and their effects on collagen and elastin production. Collagen levels provide a valuable insight into this cause. While natural aging means adult skin loses almost 1% collagen per year, this rate is higher for post-menopausal women, as low estrogen levels further impair collagen production (Schmid D, 2002).
  • Cellular senescence and the decline in cell function over time. In fact, the accumulation of senescent cells over time is associated with aging signs such as wrinkles and lack of elasticity. Research around this topic is leading to groundbreaking well-aging treatments based on senolytic mechanisms, which target and remove senescent cells to promote healthier aging.
• Extrinsic aging factors:
  • UV radiation and its damaging effects on DNA, proteins, and lipids. In a process labeled as photoaging, ultraviolet light exposure has been discussed for its capacity to accelerate aging via damage to the DNA in skin cells and damage to elastin fibers in the skin (Gromkowska‐Kępka, 2021). More specifically, UV exposure leads to the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down collagen. It also has an impact on generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which oxidize skin surface lipids and can be the cause for cellular damage and inflammation.
  • Pollution and environmental stressors impacting skin health. Analysis has been conducted on the impact of these factors on skin metabolism, inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, skin ageing and some chronic inflammatory skin diseases (Araviiskaia et al., 2019).
  • Lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, stress, and smoking. These factors have a direct effect on cellular function and systemic inflammation, all of which translate into skin health concerns at variable degrees.

Evaluating anti-aging claims: a critical view

Generally speaking, anti-aging treatments should target the diverse intrinsic and extrinsic factors of aging we just mentioned. As such, well-aging treatments typically include antioxidant claims, as well as ingredients that prevent damage to skin DNA, fibers, proteins and lipids. 

In this context, picking the best natural anti wrinkle involves having a look at the scientific evidence behind the claims, as well as the use of standardized protocols in evaluating product claims.

Common in vitro methods used to assess anti-aging activity include anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase assays. These tests aim at determining a product’s impact on preventing the degradation of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Other testing protocols for evaluating anti-aging claims include cell culture studies that use fibroblasts and keratinocytes, valuable to investigate the antioxidant activities of cosmetic treatments on these important cell types.

However, in vitro testing methods today present a lack of standardization. Papers such as Vinardell et al. (2024) have provided an in-depth look at the need for harmonizing in vitro tests for anti-aging cosmetic ingredients. The paper highlights several problems in the development of standardized methods, including “differences in the cell number seeded, the incubation time and so on” which “creates challenges for drawing clear, comparable conclusions across studies.”

Lack of standardization can make it difficult to discern between anti-aging claims. A key solution lies in critically evaluating product claims and marketing language. Some valid strategies to do so include:

• Consulting independent research that validates the product’s claims, including peer-reviewed studies. Also, and although the following are not direct indicators of the validity of research, bearing in mind recent initiatives and the application of advanced measuring tools can also act as good indicators of enhanced testing protocols.
• Considering the ingredient concentration (the amount of an active ingredient that is present in the product).
• Having access to in vivo testing to compare results

Harnessing the power of nature: 4 candidates for the best natural anti-wrinkle ingredients

Homeostatine™

Homeostatine™ is an active complex based on two natural ingredients (Caesalpinia spinosa, an Andean Tree and Enteromorpha compressa, a marine seaweed) designed to prevent and reduce skin wrinkles.

Developed through an innovative technological process, the ingredient aims at recovering and maintaining skin cell homeostasis in the dermal extracellular matrix, thus reducing the amount of wrinkles. An effect that is multiplied by the ingredient’s innovative multi-capillary injection technology, which acts as a sequential molecule-release system.

Homeostatine™ presents three main mechanisms of action which position it to become a key option among the best natural anti wrinkle formulations.

• It increases the production of dermal collagen and other ECM components in fibroblasts. As demonstrated in cultured fibroblasts as part of in vitro testing protocols, the ingredient acts as a powerful activator of the synthesis of collagen I and III.
• The inhibition of the synthesis of metalloproteinases (MMP), thus preventing excessive ECM degradation and the appearance of wrinkles. 
• Inhibition the production of inflammation mediators (such as IL-6, TNF- α and IL-1), as demonstrated under in vitro efficacy assays. In the case of IL-6, testing protocols showed a 30% reduction; meanwhile, a 35-40% reduction of IL-1α-induced stimulation was also observed.

In order to achieve these effects in restoring the extracellular matrix homeostasis, the recommended concentration is 2.0-3.0% for the treatment of first wrinkles and 2.0-5.0% for the treatment of aged skin.

Wonderage™

Wonderage™ is an active complex derived from the Siraitia grosvenorii fruit, known in Chinese tradition as the longevity fruit. 

This advanced natural active complex regulates gene expression in mature skin. 

More specifically, Wonderage™ targets mature skin altered by the over-expression of miRNAs. As such, it improves both the fibroblast yield and the synthesis of the key components of the dermis, resulting in cell homeostasis.

The testing protocols for this active complex went one step beyond, and employed advanced AI technology to measure the subconscious emotional well-being promoted by the active in women over 60. This involved visualizing the improvements in the skin obtained by using the active ingredient Wonderage™ and then comparing both conscious and subconscious responses to the effects.

The test results showed, subconsciously, 58% of the volunteers stated that they felt amazing, were happy and had a greater quality of life. The same was true for satisfaction and enthusiasm, which were at 63% and 67%, respectively. Feelings of health, comfortable skin and reduced wrinkles scored 9 out of 10. An innovative testing method that aimed at seeing how the well-aging effects of Wonderage™ also have a potential for developing holistic formulas that target mind and body wellbeing.

Linefill™

Linefill™ emerges as another key candidate for the best natural anti wrinkle for its capacity to stimulate the body’s natural mechanisms. More specifically,  Linefill™ reduces the appearance of wrinkles and refines skin texture, with a particular focus in the area around the mouth and lips.

The key mechanism of action in Linefill™ targets adipogenesis, the generation of cells capable of synthesizing and accumulating fat, as the loss of subcutaneous fat is well known as a visible aging sign. Obtained from sesame seeds, in vitro tests showed Linefill™ is a potent stimulator of the early stages of adipogenesis and increases lipid synthesis and storage capacity. 

Its ability to improve skin texture parameters and diminish blemishes was also measured with standardized photographs taken using the VISIA-CA system under normal, polarized and ultraviolet lighting. This provided an overall confirmation of the anti aging effect, supported by analysis of skin texture imperfections and redness parameters linked to age. The testing showed Linefill™ reduced blemishes by 6.3% (a significant difference of 11 pp compared to the placebo) and reduced the number of imperfections caused by the skin’s roughness by 5.2% (with a difference of 5.5 pp compared to placebo).

Sesame Glycoproteins (SPE)

SPE represent a natural extract from sesame cake and have been studied for their “potential protective effects against UV-induced skin aging”, including “the anti-photoaging effects (…) on UV-induced damage in human keratinocyte HaCat cells” (Baik et al., 2024). The study assessed MMP-1 protein levels, mRNA expression levels, and the activity of transcription factors AP-1 and NF-κB. The results present this natural ingredient as a potent antioxidant for its ability to protect against UV-induced damage. 

Sesame glycoproteins thus stand out as promising natural ingredients capable of targeting the antioxidant category, reduce wrinkle formation and preserve skin structure, based on in vitro and in vivo studies.

DIY natural anti-wrinkle formulations: expert tips

The ingredients presented above can be incorporated into a diverse range of formulations. For instance, Homeostatine™ could be successfully paired with jojoba oil for a nourishing, well-aging serum recipe; Wonderage™ could benefit from pairing with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

Any skincare formulation attempts should consider patch testing before initiating the treatment. Additionally, choosing high-quality raw ingredients from reputable suppliers represents a key movement for efficacy and safety.

The best natural anti wrinkle is one that embraces natural radiance

Homeostatine™, Wonderage™, Linefill™, and SPE stand out in the quest for finding the best natural anti wrinkle. 

Embracing a holistic approach to anti-aging, these science-based actives effectively target key aging factors while also promoting new narratives that celebrate natural beauty at every age. 

For further information or insights on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts, who are available to provide guidance and support in selecting the most suitable solutions for your requirements.