Estée Lauder's Clinical Insights into Sleep-Deprived Skin
On September 3, 2025, coinciding with Japan's unique observance of "Sleep Day," luxury cosmetics brand Estée Lauder shared the results of a pioneering clinical trial focusing on skincare for individuals suffering from sleep deprivation. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of quality sleep as a foundation for health and beauty.
Understanding Sleep Deprivation and Its Skin Effects
For over 40 years, Estée Lauder has established itself as a leader in nighttime beauty research. The brand's collaboration with the Case Western Reserve University Medical Center in 2013 was groundbreaking, revealing that sleep deprivation could double the signs of skin aging. This study indicated that insufficient sleep negatively impacts the skin's barrier function, moisture levels, and can lead to an increase in fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of elasticity.
Given the pressing issue of sleep deprivation in modern society—where about 65% of adults manage to secure healthy sleep durations—Estée Lauder undertook an extensive study to explore how skincare can counteract these effects. Studies show that women are at a 40% higher risk of insomnia compared to men, and 70% of respondents acknowledge that late-night smartphone use is disrupting their bedtime. Therefore, addressing sleep deprivation is a critical concern that directly impacts one's skin health.
Study Objectives and Design
The study aimed to examine the potential benefits of Estée Lauder's proprietary ingredient, Tripeptide-32, in individuals diagnosed with sleep deprivation. This randomized, open-label, self-controlled clinical trial targeted adults diagnosed with sleep deprivation both in the United States and China. Subjects used a serum containing Tripeptide-32 twice a day for eight weeks, with evaluations conducted at baseline, three days, two weeks, four weeks, six weeks, and eight weeks into the study.
The evaluation metrics included skin tone uniformity, radiance, discoloration, elasticity, and the presence of fine lines and wrinkles adhering to established Medical Outcome Study (MOS) and Sleep Problem Index (SPI) scoring.
Key Findings from the Clinical Trial
Positive Trends in Skin Health Appear Early
After just three nights of using the serum, participants exhibited positive trends in skin radiance, discoloration reduction, and a decrease in the appearance of fine lines under the eyes.
Two Weeks of Use Reveal Promising Improvements
By the second week, several metrics, including skin tone uniformity and elasticity, exhibited noticeable positive changes.
Eight Weeks Yields Sustained Enhancements
At the eight-week mark, consistent improvement was noted across all six evaluative criteria, reinforcing the efficacy of Tripeptide-32 in benefitting sleep-deprived skin. Specifically, skin tone uniformity improved by 32%, radiance increased by 24%, and fine lines around the eyes and forehead showed marked reductions.
These results suggest that Tripeptide-32 effectively supports skin health even under conditions of sleep deprivation, revealing its potential to facilitate long-term skin wellness.
Implications of the Study's Findings
This trial represents the first clinical effort focused specifically on sleep-deprived skin, illustrating that Estée Lauder's Tripeptide-32 holds promise not just for mere hydration but as a comprehensive nocturnal skincare ally. The positive signs seen as early as three days into the trial, alongside sustained improvements over eight weeks, offer hope for individuals struggling to attain adequate sleep.
Estée Lauder's findings bolster decades of research on nightly skincare and suggest that effective skincare can maintain skin vitality, even when confronted with the challenges of sleep deprivation.
About Estée Lauder
Founded by one of the first female entrepreneurs, Mrs. Estée Lauder, the brand continues to thrive with a deep understanding of women's needs and desires. They create some of the most innovative and sophisticated skincare, makeup products, and fragrances. Today, Estée Lauder shines in over 150 countries and regions, consistently reflecting Mrs. Lauder's powerful vision in its products.