Skin Barrier Benefits of a Natural Moisturizing Factor and Lipids-Based Moisturizer for Clinically Sensitive Skin

Abstract

Background: A novel topical cream moisturizer was designed to deliver immediate and long-lasting skin barrier improvements and to improve skin tolerability when used as adjunctive/complementary care by patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), rosacea, or cosmetic intolerance syndrome (CIS), reducing symptoms of skin irritation and sensitivity.

Objective: To evaluate the cream moisturizer’s biological effects on critical epidermal proteins, lipids, genes, and clinical improvements in skin barrier strength and tolerability.

Methods: Preclinical and clinical studies assessed the cream moisturizer’s effects on filaggrin, hyaluronic acid, and lipid levels; gene expression; skin barrier strength; skin surface hydration, texture/appearance, and tolerability; and patient quality of life (QoL) in the aforementioned conditions.

Results: In preclinical studies, the cream moisturizer demonstrated significant increases in filaggrin (+77%), hyaluronic acid (+157%), and lipid (+30%) levels vs untreated controls (P<0.05), and upregulated key epidermal lipid pathways for skin barrier function. Clinical studies demonstrated progressive improvements in surface hydration, reductions in transepidermal water loss over 4 weeks, and sustained improvements in hydration after a 3-day regression period. Furthermore, daily application on clinically sensitive skin yielded significant improvements in skin look and feel without significant increases in irritation over 4 weeks.

Conclusion: The cream moisturizer improved skin barrier strength, skin tolerability, and patient QoL (with favorable aesthetics). These findings support the cream moisturizer as a preferred topical adjunctive product to support skin barrier health, particularly in AD, rosacea, and CIS.