Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

Abstract

In vivo assessment of hydration, skin barrier function, and redness reduction of a cosmetic cream formulation containing Vitamin B 12, folic acid and red algae extract (Jaluronius B Complex) in subjects with sensitive skin and moderate skin ageing.

Stefano Alfano, Francesca Colombo, Massimo Milani

Background: Sensitive skin is characterized by reduced barrier integrity, increased Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), and proneness to irritation and redness. Cosmetic formulations targeting hydration and barrier repair can improve comfort and visible skin condition.

Objective: This study aimed to assess, in vivo, the moisturizing, soothing, and barrier-protecting efficacy of a cosmetic formulation in cream formulation (Jaluronius B complex, Cantabria labs Difa Cooper) in female volunteers with sensitive skin and mild to moderate skin ageing.

Methods: A single-center, open-label, randomized intra-individual (half-face) controlled study was performed on 20 healthy female volunteers aged 21-45 years. The tested product was applied twice daily for 6 weeks to one side of the face, while a neutral base cream served as the control on the contralateral area. Stratum corneum hydration, TEWL, and redness were quantified using corneometry, tewametry, and Antera 3D imaging. Subjective assessments of efficacy and pleasantness were collected at study end.

Results: Nineteen subjects completed the study. Compared with baseline, hydration increased significantly by +13.97% at 24 h (p<0.0001) and +15.54% after 6 weeks (p<0.0001) in the active treated sides. No increase in hydration was observed in the control treated sides. At week 6, the hydration level in active treated sides was significantly higher in comparison with control (46 ± 4 A.U vs. 40 ± 3 A.U; p<0.0001). TEWL decreased by -3.97% and -5.70% at the same time points (p<0.01), remaining within physiological limits (6-12 g/m²h). No modification of TEWL values was observed in the control treated sides at week 6 in comparison with baseline. Redness was reduced by 10.24% after 6 weeks (p<0.0001) in the active treated sides, whereas a small increase was observed in the control treated sides (p<0.001 at week 6; active vs. control). No adverse reactions were observed during the treatment period.

Conclusion: The tested formulation significantly improved hydration and reduced redness while preserving barrier integrity with an efficacy greater than the control cream. These results support its suitability for sensitive skin. Longer and blinded studies are warranted to confirm potential anti-age benefits in the medium-long term.

Published Date: 2025-11-25; Received Date: 2025-11-11