X115 SCIENTIFIC DOSSIER
Increase collagen density.
+24% in 8 weeks in the historical X115 clinical and instrumental study.
A rigorous reading of how dermal collagen changes with age, what was measured in the original X115 study and how those findings relate to the current +PLUS4 formula—without conflating the two.
SKIN STRUCTURE
Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid form a connected system.
The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin and renews itself continuously. Beneath it lies the dermis, a metabolically active connective tissue rich in blood vessels and fibroblasts. These cells produce collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid.
Collagen provides tensile strength and structural support. Elastin allows the tissue to deform and return to its original shape, while hyaluronic acid and other glycosaminoglycans help retain water. Firmness, elasticity and hydration therefore depend on an organised extracellular matrix rather than on one isolated molecule.
Collagen can be seen as the supporting framework of the dermis; elastin contributes flexibility, while hyaluronic acid helps maintain the hydrated environment in which that framework functions.
AGEING AND PHOTOAGEING
Why collagen density decreases over time.
With ageing, collagen synthesis by fibroblasts tends to decline while degradation and disorganisation of existing fibres increase. Matrix metalloproteinases contribute to this breakdown; excessive ultraviolet exposure can accelerate their activity and the overall photoageing process.
The extracellular matrix gradually becomes thinner and less orderly. The skin may consequently appear less firm, less elastic and more wrinkled. Glycation — reactions between sugars and proteins — can further alter collagen structure and function.
These are slow biological processes. For the same reason, any meaningful change in structural parameters must be assessed over weeks or months rather than from an immediate before-and-after impression.
HISTORICAL CLINICAL AND INSTRUMENTAL STUDY+15%Collagen densityafter 8 weeks with the X115 cosmetic alone on the treated forearm area. +17%Collagen densityafter 4 weeks with the original X115 supplement alone. +24%Collagen densitywith the combined protocol: cosmetic for 8 weeks plus supplement for 4 weeks.
What was measured with the original X115 treatment.
The historical study involved 30 women aged 35 to 55 and was carried out with Ambrosia Lab, a spin-off of the University of Ferrara, using instrumental measurements of the dermis. The protocol compared the cosmetic treatment, the oral supplement and their combined use.
Collagen density was evaluated through ultrasound imaging of the dermis. The instrumental data showed a larger change with the combined IN & OUT treatment than with either component used alone.
The percentages describe the specific protocol, volunteers, anatomical area and original formulation used in that study. They are not a guarantee of the same response in every person and do not measure a 24% reduction in wrinkle depth.
SCIENTIFIC ACCURACY
A necessary distinction: the study did not test +PLUS4.
The clinical and instrumental study was conducted on the original X115® New Generation Skin Care formulation. X115® +PLUS4 is a later formulation developed through several updates.
The current standard formula supplies 5 g of hydrolysed collagen from four certified sources — Naticol®, Verisol® B, Chondractiv® and Prosagen® Si — together with 120 mg of total hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, silicon, ceramides, probiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Its composition is more extensive, but scientific accuracy requires a clear statement: the +24% result was measured on the historical formulation and must not be presented as a direct clinical result of +PLUS4.
CURRENT FORMULA
Five grams of collagen from four complementary sources.
hydrolysed fish-skin collagen
hydrolysed bovine-skin collagen
collagen from chicken sternal cartilage; source of chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid
hydrolysed fish-skin collagen with orthosilicic acid
The values refer to the recommended daily dose of standard X115® +PLUS4: one DAY vial plus one NIGHT sachet. The FISH version has a different NIGHT formula.
HYDRATION DATA
Hydration changed earlier than deeper structural parameters.
In the same historical evaluation, the cosmetic used alone for eight weeks produced a 12% improvement in skin hydration, while the combined cream-and-supplement protocol reached 26%. The supplement alone produced a change below 5%, which was not statistically significant for hydration.
This pattern is consistent with the different roles of the two components: a topical cosmetic can act directly on the stratum corneum and reduce water loss, while oral supplementation is intended to support a broader nutritional approach over time.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
What the data can — and cannot — tell us.
- Immediate sensory effects are not structural remodelling. A cream can make the skin feel smoother and more comfortable quickly, but collagen organisation changes more slowly.
- Hydration may improve before collagen density. In the historical study, hydration responded early, while collagen density continued to rise across the observed weeks.
- Regular use matters. Age, skin condition, diet, UV exposure and adherence can all influence the response.
- Deep wrinkles require realistic expectations. X115 is a cosmetic and nutraceutical protocol, not an injectable medical procedure, and it cannot guarantee the correction of established deep wrinkles.
The value of the study lies in the measured trend, not in an absolute promise.
The historical X115 data support the rationale of combining topical care with an oral supplement and show measurable changes in hydration and collagen density under the study conditions.
The most transparent way to use those results today is to preserve their context, identify the formula that was actually tested and describe the current +PLUS4 composition separately. This allows the evidence to remain useful without turning it into a claim that the study did not establish.
X115 +PLUS4
Discover the current X115® +PLUS4 formula.
DAY & NIGHT protocol with 5 g of collagen from four certified sources, 120 mg of total hyaluronic acid and 26 selected active ingredients.