For your skin
A Korean-approved anti-wrinkle ingredient that encourages collagen production for a smoother, firmer look.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
Purine nucleoside that binds adenosine receptors on fibroblasts to stimulate collagen production.
Why we tier this moderate
6 cited papers across 2 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.
Layering matrix
Cited research
MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Adenosine (anti-wrinkle). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List
Jang M et al., Dissolving microneedle with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density and elasticity, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2020;42(3):302-309 — Korean comparison: HMW HA + adenosine outperformed LMW HA across wrinkle and elasticity parameters
Yang HJ et al., Two-phase delivery using a horse oil and adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patch for skin barrier restoration, moisturization, and wrinkle improvement, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2019;18(3):936-943 — Korean clinical study (n=20): adenosine microneedle patches improved elasticity, hydration, dermal density, wrinkles
Kang G et al., Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity and hydration, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2018;40(2):199-206 — Korean-authored; adenosine microneedle patches matched or exceeded adenosine cream for multiple endpoints
Kim MY et al., Effect of adenosine on melanogenesis in B16 cells and zebrafish, Annals of Dermatology 2014;26(2):209-13 — adenosine suppresses pigmentation via negative regulation of tyrosinase in cellular and zebrafish models
Abella ML, Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2006;28(6):447-451 — adenosine topical formulations significantly reduced periorbital and glabellar wrinkles within 3 weeks
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.