Clinical efficacy and safety of nano-microneedle-assisted phenylethyl resorcinol for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles

Background: Infraorbital dark circles (DC) are defined as a symptom that presents darkness under infraorbital eyelids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nano-microneedle-assisted phenylethyl resorcinol (PR) for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles.

Methods: Twenty female participants were randomized to two groups. In the experimental group (group E), participants received topical PR gel under the left orbit once a day and topical plus nano-microneedle-assisted PR gel under the right orbit twice a week. In the control group (group C), participants were treated with gel without PR. Melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI) were measured before the session (T0), 4 and 8 weeks during the treatment session (T4, T8), and 1 and 2 months after the last session (T12, T16). The global assessment was performed by a blinded dermatologist.

Results: The mean value of MI in group E was significantly lower than the baseline at T8 (P < .05), and the right side decreased more significantly than the left side (P < .05). However, there was no difference of MI before and after treatment in group C (P > .05). There was no big difference of the mean EI between the two sides (P > .05). The treatment was well tolerated, and no serious adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion: PR combined with nano-microneedle could be an effective and safe method for infraorbital DC.

Keywords: dark circles; nano-microneedle; phenylethyl resorcinol.