TITLE:
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Dermocosmetic Repair Balm Containing Vitamin B5, Madecassoside, and a Prebiotic Complex When Used Post-Microneedling in Japanese Individuals
AUTHORS:
Toshitatsu Nogita, Yurie Gunji, Delphine Kerob, Odemi James, Ayako Fukase, Makoto Kawashima
KEYWORDS:
Madecassoside, Prebiotic Complex, Microneedling, Erythema, Downtime
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications,
Vol.16 No.1,
March
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To assess the ability of a dermocosmetic containing vitamin B5, madecassoside, and a prebiotic complex (DC) to shorten the downtime after a cosmetic procedure. Methods: A randomized, evaluator-blinded, split-face study was performed using white petrolatum as the comparator product (CP). After microneedling treatment with a Dermapen® 4, each study product were applied to one half of the face twice daily (morning and night) for 14 days. Observations and evaluations were performed on days 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 following the Dermapen 4 procedure. Results: Twenty-nine participants (27 female, 2 male) with a mean age of 40.7 ± 11.9 years (range 19 - 58) completed the study and had results available for evaluation. Improvement in erythema, a key contributor to downtime, tended to be more rapid on the DC side than on the CP side. The mean time needed for the erythema score to decrease to 2 was 2.63 days for DC and 3.68 days for CP, representing a difference of approximately 1 day. From the patient perspective, the DC was rated higher for usability, willingness to continue use, and overall improvement in skin condition. Conclusion: The DC containing vitamin B5, madecassoside, and a prebiotic complex demonstrated potential in terms of reducing post-microneedling downtime, suggesting a value in post-procedure care. Trial Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031230421; registered on October 23, 2023).