Kinetin, also known as N6-furfuryladenine, is a class of plant hormone that is important in cell division. Since the early 1990s, it has been tested for its anti-aging effects in human skin cells and other systems and. It is promoted as a key ingredient in a number of skin care formulations for its ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and deliver other anti aging skin benefits without causing skin irritation. Does kinetin deliver?
Studies are available that support kinetin’s efficacy as a growth factor and it is often promoted as a more gentle alternative to topical retinoids in skin care. One study showed a 0.1% concentration of kinetin to be equivalent or superior in its effectiveness to Retin A (a prescription retinoid) with minimal side effects. However, it should be pointed out that most of the research demonstrating kinetin’s efficacy have been conducted by a sole researcher, paid for by Senetek, the company that originally held the patent for kinetin. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that kinetin is ineffective, studies published in peer reviewed journals would lend it more credibility.
Kinetin’s Benefits
Kinetin has been found to have potent antioxidant properties which can help in managing free radical damage. It has also been shown to help repair DNA. However, there are no studies that have compared its activity to other currently used antioxidants such as green tea, vitamin c, vitamin e or coffee berry in skin care formulations. Given the current research available to support its efficacy, it may be considered an alternative to ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, green tea and vitamin E. These ingredients do have a considerable amount of research backing up their efficacy.
Individuals with sensitive skin, in particular, may benefit most from products containing kinetin. Kinetin may be found in a range of skin care products including the Kinerase line by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.
