The study, published in the March issue of British Journal of Dermatology, concluded that more study is needed on the compound to determine all possible effects on the body. The compound is 2-dimethylaminoethanol (or DMAE).

Researchers from Universite Laval's Faculty of Medicine in Quebec conducted in vitro tests of the compound using human skin cells. They found that skin cells called fibroblasts -- which produce connective tissue like collagen and elastin -- reacted quickly to the compound. There was swelling and within hours of application of the compound, fibroblast cells stopped dividing, were inhibited in their metabolic reactions and began to die off. Nearly 25 percent of the fibroblasts died within a 24-hour period when given a dose of DMAE similar to the concentration found in many anti-aging skin products, researchers said.

Researchers explained the anti-wrinkle effect by saying the compound appeared to remove wrinkles from the skin because fibroblast cells essential for collagen production were being destroyed.

"Even thought DMAE is similar to medication, there is very little scientific documentation about its pharmacological and toxicological effects," Dr. Francois Marceau, the lead researcher, said in a press release. "We're not saying DMAE is dangerous to people exposed to it, but our results indicate it's time to being serious research to determine whether or not it poses a health risk."

He added that other compounds used in cosmetic products may carry similar, unknown effects. "Several compounds found in cosmetics are just as complex as medication -- they are absorbed through the skin, flow through the blood stream, are expelled by the kidneys, or stocked in cells or even in the liver. Yet, the laws regulating their use are far less restrictive than those regulating drugs," Marceau said.

Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health.