A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora

J Dermatolog Treat. 2017 Mar;28(2):173-180. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2016.1214235. Epub 2016 Aug 2.

Abstract

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 h from a skin area undergoing wash stress with 10% SDS with subsequent single application of NTP-CE.

Results: In Study 1, 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; microbiome; moisturization; panthenol; randomized controlled study; repair; skin; skin barrier; topical.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Body Water / metabolism
  • Emollients / administration & dosage*
  • Emollients / pharmacology
  • Epidermis / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pantothenic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Pantothenic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Pantothenic Acid / pharmacology
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / microbiology*
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
  • Water Loss, Insensible / drug effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Emollients
  • Pantothenic Acid
  • dexpanthenol
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate