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Research Summary Restoring the lipid homeostasis of the stratum corneum (SC) is a common strategy to enhance skin barrier function. In this study, a ceramide-containing vernix caseosa (VC)-based formulation was used to accelerate barrier recovery in healthy volunteers. The recovery process was examined over 16 days by monitoring trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) following barrier disruption by tape-stripping. Four skin sites were used to assess both the treatment effects and the progress of barrier recovery.After 16 days, samples were collected from these sites to examine the SC ceramide composition and lipid organization. Changes in ceramide profiles were identified using principal component...

Research Summary A comprehensive comparison of antioxidant defenses in the dermis and epidermis, and their response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, has not previously been attempted. In this study, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants in the epidermis and dermis of hairless mice were compared. Enzyme activities are presented both as units per gram of skin and units per milligram of protein, with arguments made for the superiority of skin wet weight as a reference base. Catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase (units per gram of skin) were higher in the epidermis than in the dermis by 49%, 86%, and 74%,...

Research Summary The antimicrobial efficacies of caprylyl glycol and ethylhexylglycerin in an emulsion were evaluated using the USP24-NF19 standard. The minimum concentrations of caprylyl glycol and ethylhexylglycerin required to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans within 1 day, and Aspergillus niger within 28 days, were found to be 0.5% and 1.5%, respectively.A 1:3 mixture ratio of caprylyl glycol and ethylhexylglycerin was selected for further testing of its inhibitory effects on microorganisms prohibited in cosmetics. The evaluation was conducted at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. Results showed that the minimum concentration to inhibit *S. aureus*...

Research Summary While the final proof of efficacy in common dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis, is still lacking, the authors found ample evidence for the activity of witch hazel against cutaneous inflammation in humans. This conclusion is drawn from experiments with normal volunteers, where unwanted effects related to the drug were virtually absent. Witch hazel extracts, when applied topically to dermatological areas, provide a calming effect due to the tannin content, making it useful in both cosmetics and therapeutic applications.The active components of *Hamamelis virginiana* (witch hazel) extracts can be traced to flavonoids, leucoanthocyanidins, tannins, and essential oils, all of...