What this means
Researchers tested a mix of a ferment extract and a copper peptide for skin aging. The results suggest it may help, but these early tests do not prove it works for everyone.
Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the abstract. The original is below.
- Who it was tested in
- People
- Kind of research
- A study
The science
- Original title
- Augmented Skin Beneficial Effects of Thermus Thermophilus and Bacillus Subtilis Mixed-Culture Ferment Extract by Tripeptide GHK-Cu.
- Authors
- Wang J, Tao K, Huang H et al.
- Journal
- Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)
- Published
- Aug 10, 2026
- Study type
- Study · in humans
- PMID
- 42573538 ↗
Abstract
Background
Skin aging is a complex process driven by multiplex factors, including chronic inflammation and UV exposure. It has become common practice for cosmetic formulations to counteract skin aging by targeting different pathways simultaneously with a pool of active ingredients. The present study aims to explore the skin protective effects of a novel extract of ferment in combination with copper tripeptide-1 GHK-Cu from an anti-inflammation perspective.
What they did
An extract of the Thermus thermophilus and Bacillus subtilis mixed-culture ferment (TBFE) was prepared and the skin protective effects of its combination with the human tripeptide derivative GHK-Cu were explored through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical tests.
What they found
The combination outperformed TBFE or GHK-Cu alone in inhibiting secretion of inflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. In addition, one face cream formulated with the combination as the sole active ingredients protected human skin explants from ultraviolet irradiation induced damage by maintaining skin morphology and decreasing the degradation of extracellular matrix. Finally, results from the clinical study demonstrated that the combination was effective in decreasing wrinkles and improving skin barrier conditions. It is concluded that the combination of TBFE and GHK-Cu exerts anti-aging effects on human skin by targeting inflammation, extracellular matrix, and skin barrier function. Therefore, the combination offers a promising option for anti-aging skincare regimen by addressing multiple mechanisms involved in skin aging.
The authors' abstract, grouped under plain headings from its own section labels.
Wang J, Tao K, Huang H et al. Augmented Skin Beneficial Effects of Thermus Thermophilus and Bacillus Subtilis Mixed-Culture Ferment Extract by Tripeptide GHK-Cu. Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI). 2026. doi:10.1111/srt.70360. PMID: 42573538. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42573538/
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