Research Summary:
Purpose: Two randomized, intra-individual comparison studies were performed in healthy subjects to evaluate the skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential of a new topical panthenol-containing emollient (NTP-CE) (Study 1) and its effect on skin microflora (Study 2).
Methods: In Study 1 (N = 23), two skin areas, one challenged with 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution and one unchallenged, were treated with NTP-CE for 3 weeks. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae (ICLL) organization were measured at regular intervals during the study. In Study 2 (N = 20), quantitative bacterial cultures were obtained over 6 hours from a skin area undergoing wash stress with 10% SDS, followed by a single application of NTP-CE.
Results: In Study 1, the mean AUC for TEWL reduction from baseline was more pronounced with NTP-CE compared with control (168.36 vs. 123.38 g/m²/h, p = 0.023). NTP-CE use was also associated with statistically significant improvements in stratum corneum hydration and an increase in mean ICLL length from baseline (day 22: 120.61 vs. 35.85 nm/1000 nm², p < 0.001). In Study 2, NTP-CE use had no negative impact on bacterial viability.
Conclusions: NTP-CE use has favorable and lasting effects on barrier function and repair, as well as skin hydration, without negatively influencing bacterial viability.
Keywords: Emollient, skin, moisturization, skin barrier, repair, microbiome, randomized controlled study, panthenol, topical.
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