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Deutsch (EUR)Retinol Cream and Dark Spots: What Did 2 Swedish Collagen Studies Show?
Retinol cream and pigmentation spots: what did two studies show?
Swedish Collagen Retinol Cream was evaluated in two UK studies commissioned by Swedish Nutra AB. The eight-week instrumental VISIA® study recorded a statistically significant reduction in the number of brown pigmentation spots. Instrumental improvement in wrinkles was not confirmed. The second, four-week study examined consumers’ subjective experiences.
This article is based on a manufacturer-prepared summary, not an independent editorial verification of the full study reports.
Contents
How were the studies designed?
Both studies enrolled women aged 35–65 with signs of skin ageing. They assessed one specific cosmetic product. The results therefore cannot automatically be applied to another retinol cream.
AN3914 · VISIA®
Cutest Systems Ltd, Cardiff, United Kingdom. An open-label instrumental study supervised by a dermatologist, lasting eight weeks.
Sixteen women were enrolled, 14 underwent baseline photographic assessment and 12 also completed the assessment after eight weeks. Values from the same participants were compared before and after use.
AN2332 · Consumer study
Cue Consumer Research, Oakham, United Kingdom. Open-label use of the cream at home every evening for four weeks.
Eighty women were enrolled and 75 completed four weeks. Questionnaires were completed by 73 women after the first use, 76 after two weeks and 75 after four weeks. This study did not include instrumental measurements.
What did VISIA® measure after eight weeks?
The VISIA® system assessed standardised facial images and counted selected skin features. The data come from instrumental analysis, not a visual estimate from a marketing photograph.
Average number of brown pigmentation spots
According to the manufacturer-prepared summary, the average fell from 198.0 to 190.9. The change was statistically significant (p < 0.05). A lower number of brown spots after eight weeks was recorded in 9 of 12 women; three had a higher count.
Swedish Nutra AB calculated the averages in the following table from the individual data of 12 participants with both measurements, after averaging the left and right views. The 3.6% decrease is a group average, not a guaranteed result for every user.
All eight assessed parameters
On smaller screens, scroll the table horizontally.
| Parameter | Baseline | Week 8 | Change in average | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown pigmentation spots | 198.0 | 190.9 | −3.6 % | Statistically significant, p < 0.05 |
| All spots | 133.3 | 128.0 | −4.0 % | Not statistically significant, p = 0.07 |
| Red spots | 71.6 | 64.0 | −10.6 % | Not statistically significant |
| Texture | 2769 | 2639 | −4.7 % | Not statistically significant |
| Porphyrins | 1678 | 1601 | −4.6 % | Not statistically significant |
| UV spots | 247.5 | 245.5 | −0.8 % | Not statistically significant |
| Pores | 269.9 | 270.4 | +0.2 % | No improvement |
| Wrinkles | 38.4 | 43.3 | +12.8 % | No measured improvement |
What did consumers report?
The following percentages come from the AN2332 questionnaire after 4 weeks, n = 75 responses. They represent participants’ subjective assessments during home use. They are neither instrumentally measured changes nor percentage improvements in the skin.
After the first use
After the first use, responses were provided by 73 women: 100% said the product felt gentle, 99% reported no irritation, 97% reported a more hydrated feel and 96% liked the fragrance. Source: AN2332, questionnaire after the first use, n = 73.
Use and safety
According to the supplied summary, the cream is intended for evening use as the final step of the routine. Gradual introduction, testing on a small area before full use and daytime sun protection are recommended. The directions and warnings on the specific product’s packaging take precedence.
The summary states that no serious adverse events were reported in the studies. In AN3914, one participant experienced mild itching and redness on her limbs; the investigator considered a connection with the product unlikely. In AN2332, one participant reported local redness after testing on a small area and did not continue; the reaction was considered probably related to the product.
The finding that 99% of respondents reported no irritation after four weeks does not guarantee tolerance for everyone. Retinol products may cause dryness, redness or irritation.
Ingredients and manufacturing
The manufacturer’s summary lists the main ingredients as retinol, niacinamide, vitamin E, aloe vera and shea butter. It also mentions buriti fruit oil, sunflower oil, amaranth seed extract and rosemary leaf extract. Check the product packaging for the complete current ingredients.
Swedish Collagen is a Swedish Nutra AB brand. According to the supplied summary, the cream is manufactured at the company’s own premises in Malmö, Sweden, and cosmetic manufacturing is certified to ISO 22716:2007. This refers to good manufacturing practice, not proof of the cream’s efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main instrumental result?
According to the AN3914 study summary, the average number of brown pigmentation spots fell from 198.0 to 190.9, a 3.6% reduction, after eight weeks. The change was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The analysis included 12 women who completed both measurements.
Did VISIA® confirm a reduction in wrinkles?
No. This study did not confirm an instrumental improvement in wrinkle count. Consumer assessments of wrinkle appearance are subjective and are not the same type of evidence.
Were the studies placebo-controlled?
No. Both studies were open-label, without randomisation, blinding or a placebo control group. Their findings therefore have limitations.
How many women completed the consumer study?
Seventy-five of the 80 enrolled women completed four weeks. There were 73 responses after the first use and 76 after two weeks.
Do the findings guarantee the same effect for everyone?
No. The results concern the specific cream, study groups and conditions. Individual results may vary.
When is Retinol Cream used?
According to the supplied summary, it is intended for evening use as the final step of the routine. Gradual introduction, testing on a small area and daytime sun protection are recommended. The directions on the specific product’s packaging take precedence.
Sources, origin of the material and limitations
Main source: Swedish Collagen Retinol Cream – Clinical & Consumer Study Summary, reference SC-RC-2025. The supplied summary’s cover states Version 2.0, September 2026. Swedish Nutra AB, the brand owner and commissioner of both studies, prepared the summary for authorised distribution partners.
- AN3914: Cutest Systems Ltd, Cardiff – eight-week VISIA® assessment supervised by a dermatologist; report dated 18 March 2025.
- AN2332: Cue Consumer Research, Oakham – consumer use from 24 April to 2 June 2024, questionnaire-based self-assessment.
This article is based on the manufacturer-supplied summary. The full AN3914 and AN2332 reports were not used in this editorial review. According to the summary, authorised partners can request them, and they take precedence over the summary in case of discrepancies.
External UK organisations obtained the results, but the manufacturer commissioned the studies. This should be distinguished from research financially independent of the manufacturer. Small groups, open-label designs and the absence of a control group limit the strength of the conclusions.
- Swedish Nutra AB – official manufacturer contact and information on access to study materials
- Canfield Scientific – explanation of the VISIA® system. This general source explains the technology; it does not confirm the results for the specific cream.
EDUCATIONAL ARTICLE. This overview describes the results of specific studies and their limitations. Individual results may vary.