Hair and skin care: uncovering the trends at NACDS Marketplace

Drug Store News, August 4, 1997 by Lisa I. Fried

RELATED ARTICLE: Anti-wrinkle patch set for fall debut

FAIRFIELD, N.J. -- This September, Doak Dermatologics will launch an over-the-counter anti-wrinkle patch designed to rejuvenate aging skin.

"This is the first transdermal delivery of Vitamin C in the drug trade channel," said Mary Kay Scucci, chief operating officer of Doak Dermatologics, noting that a transdermal vitamin C patch is currently marketed by another manufacturer through department stores with a suggested retail price of $125.

"[Doak's] patch delivers beneficial nutrients of vitamin C directly into the skin, which builds up the collagen underneath the skin surface and removes fine lines. You can see visible results in as little as a month's time," Scucci said.

Le Pont Beauty Patch has not been endorsed by any medical or dermatological associations. According to Scucci, a clinical study into the patch's effectiveness is underway, and six-month results are expected in October.

The patches will be marketed to health- and beauty-conscious women in the 25- to 55-year-old age group. The product will have a suggested retail price of $29.99 for a month's supply, which includes 24 patches and an oil solvent for removing the patches in the morning.

The recommended regimen is for women to wear one or more patches on areas of the face marked by wrinkles for an eight-hour period on alternate nights for the first week and once a week after that, Scucci said. It can be applied above the brow line, on the side of the eyes and above and on the sides of the lip.

Doak Dermatologics' parent company, Bradley Pharmaceuticals, has signed a five-year agreement to market Le Pont Beauty Enhancer in the United States and internationally. The company plans to support the launch with sampling to dermatologists and television, radio, newspaper and magazine advertising.

Doak Dermatologics has sent announcements and training manuals to about 20 skin care and cosmetic brokerage companies across the country. At press time, the company was talking to several retailers about carrying the product.