Initially used to visibly reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks, StriVectin-SD, a topical cream exclusively distributed by Klein-Becker, LLC, has been available for the treatment of wrinkles since May of 2003. According to the NPD Group, a marketing information company, initial sales were groundbreaking, with StriVectin-SD achieving “over $13 million in department store sales between its launch date in May 2003 and December 2003.”

In July of 2002, two research reports were released at the 20th World Congress of Dermatology confirming the efficacy of Pal-KTTKS, StriVectin-SD’s active ingredient, in the treatment of wrinkles. These reports showed that Pal-KTTKS effectively thickened skin in the crow's feet area as well as reduced fine lines and wrinkles about one and a half times faster than retinol, the primary ingredient in Retin-A, and other prominent wrinkle reducers. Further clinical studies have shown that StriVectin-SD lightens age-spots and dark circles as well as reduces the length, depth and volume of wrinkles by as much as 68%.

StriVectin-SD has received international fame as well. According to the September 2006 edition of 60 Million Magazine, France's equivalent to Consumer Reports, StriVectin-SD was voted the “best" and most effective anti-wrinkle face cream by a panel of 264 women ages 30 to 70. In this test, StriVectin-SD proved to be more effective than some of the world’s leading anti-wrinkle creams including Dior, Chanel, ROC, Lancôme and L'Oreal among others.

However, despite claims that StriVectin-SD is “Better than Botox” for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, a 2004 study conducted by Dr. Kenneth Beer, M.D., a board certified Cosmetic Dermatologist, showed that StriVectin-SD did not outperform Botox. Whereas Botox is a serum injected into the skin, penetrating into the skin’s deepest layers, StriVectin-SD works on the skin’s outermost layers. As explained by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. James Carraway in Cosmetic Surgery Times, “Botox does something completely different…..as it truly relaxes the muscles that create wrinkles perpendicular to their line of direction,” whereas StriVectin-SD works to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and crows feet through deep exfoliation and the stimulation of collagen creation.

StriVectin-SD may not be as effective as Botox in the treatment of brow furrows, but it does offer quick, proven results without the needles, toxins or price of Botox treatments. The cost of StriVectin-SD is approximately $135.00 for a 6 ounce tube that should last 6 months when used for wrinkles, and 4 to 6 weeks when used for stretch marks. On average, the effects of StriVectin-SD are visible within 4 to 5 weeks of consistent use. As an added incentive, Klein-Becker offers a 30-day, no questions asked, money back guarantee on StriVectin-SD.