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ingredientsRandomized Controlled Trial3 min read

Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial.

Authors · Morgado-Carrasco D, Balado-Simó P, Vivancos Cuadras F et al.
Journal · J Cosmet Dermatol · May 2026
What this means for you

The plain-language read

Xerosis cutis is characterized by impaired epidermal barrier function, increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), reduced hydration, and symptoms such as pruritus. 8) and untreated control, the treated leg showed greater corneometric hydration at all time points: 66. TEWL decreased by 11.

Key findings
  • Compared with baseline (hydration: 21.3 ± 1.0 c.u., 95% CI: 19.3-23.3; TEWL: 9.2 ± 0.3 g/h/m2, 95% CI: 8.6-9.8) and untreated control, the treated leg showed greater corneometric hydration at all time points: 66.2% (33.9 ± 1.4 c.u., 95% CI: 31.1-36.7) at day 7 and 74.1% (35.2 ± 1.2 c.u., 95% CI: 32.8-37.6) at day 28 (all p < 0.001).
  • Deep moisturization increased by 5.7% (39.5 ± 0.9 μS at day 7, 95% CI: 37.7-41.3) and 7.3% (41.1 ± 0.8 μS at day 28, 95% CI: 39.5-42.7) (p < 0.05).
  • The desquamation index decreased by 13.0% (29.50% ± 1.67% at day 7, 95% CI: 26.1-32.9) and 15.8% (26.77% ± 1.25% at day 28, 95% CI: 24.2-29.3), SEr increased by 46.9% (3.38 ± 0.15 a.u. at day 7, 95% CI: 3.08-3.68) and 54.2% (3.47 ± 0.15 a.u. at day 28, 95% CI: 3.17-3.77), and SEsc decreased by 67.0% (0.81 ± 0.12 a.u. at day 7, 95% CI: 0.57-1.05) and 76.3% (0.51 ± 0.07 a.u. at day 28, 95% CI: 0.37-0.65), respectively (all p < 0.05).
  • BACKGROUND: Xerosis cutis is characterized by impaired epidermal barrier function, increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), reduced hydration, and symptoms such as pruritus.
Practical note

Relevant if you're working with niacinamide, panthenol for sensitivity and dehydration.

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What this means for your routine

niacinamideAM/PM routine95%4 weeks

If you're targeting sensitivity, this research supports adding niacinamide to your AM/PM routine. Effective concentration range: 95% based on this study. Timeline to expect: 4 weeks based on study duration.

panthenolAM/PM routine95%4 weeks

If you're targeting sensitivity, this research supports adding panthenol to your AM/PM routine. Effective concentration range: 95% based on this study. Timeline to expect: 4 weeks based on study duration.

Translated from this study's findings, not a personal prescription. Pair with your existing protocol and your practitioner's guidance.

Technical Summary, For Professional Reference

Clinical context

1. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 May;25(5):e70898. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70898. Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial. Morgado-Carrasco D(1)(2), Balado-Simó P(1), Vivancos Cuadras F(3), Furmanczyk M(3), Delgado Ojeda J(3).

Ingredients discussed
Full abstract

1. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 May;25(5):e70898. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70898. Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial. Morgado-Carrasco D(1)(2), Balado-Simó P(1), Vivancos Cuadras F(3), Furmanczyk M(3), Delgado Ojeda J(3). Author information: (1)Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. (2)Dermatology Department, Hospital de Figueres, Fundació Salut Empordà, Figueres, Spain. (3)Lacer S.A., Barcelona, Spain. BACKGROUND: Xerosis cutis is characterized by impaired epidermal barrier function, increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), reduced hydration, and symptoms such as pruritus. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and subjective perception of a topical formulation containing panthenol, niacinamide, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate in improving skin hydration and barrier function in subjects with dry, sensitive skin. METHODS: In this randomized, intra-individual, split-leg clinical trial, subjects with xerosis applied the test emollient twice daily for 28 days to one pretibial area. The contralateral leg remained untreated as control. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), 30 min, 24 h, 48 h, day 7 and day 28. Primary outcomes were corneometric stratum corneum hydration and TEWL. Secondary outcomes included deep skin conductance ("deep moisturization"), desquamation index, surface microrelief regularity (SEr), scaliness (SEsc), dermatologist-rated clinical signs, and participant self-assessment. RESULTS: Thirty-five participants (31 women; mean age 47.3 ± 2.0 years) were included. Compared with baseline (hydration: 21.3 ± 1.0 c.u., 95% CI: 19.3-23.3; TEWL: 9.2 ± 0.3 g/h/m2, 95% CI: 8.6-9.8) and untreated control, the treated leg showed greater corneometric hydration at all time points: 66.2% (33.9 ± 1.4 c.u., 95% CI: 31.1-36.7) at day 7 and 74.1% (35.2 ± 1.2 c.u., 95% CI: 32.8-37.6) at day 28 (all p < 0.001). TEWL decreased by 11.3% (8.2 ± 0.2 g/h/m2, 95% CI: 7.8-8.6) and 13.5% (7.9 ± 0.2 g/h/m2, 95% CI: 7.5-8.3), respectively (all p < 0.05). Deep moisturization increased by 5.7% (39.5 ± 0.9 μS at day 7, 95% CI: 37.7-41.3) and 7.3% (41.1 ± 0.8 μS at day 28, 95% CI: 39.5-42.7) (p < 0.05). The desquamation index decreased by 13.0% (29.50% ± 1.67% at day 7, 95% CI: 26.1-32.9) and 15.8% (26.77% ± 1.25% at day 28, 95% CI: 24.2-29.3), SEr increased by 46.9% (3.38 ± 0.15 a.u. at day 7, 95% CI: 3.08-3.68) and 54.2% (3.47 ± 0.15 a.u. at day 28, 95% CI: 3.17-3.77), and SEsc decreased by 67.0% (0.81 ± 0.12 a.u. at day 7, 95% CI: 0.57-1.05) and 76.3% (0.51 ± 0.07 a.u. at day 28, 95% CI: 0.37-0.65), respectively (all p < 0.05). Dermatologist assessments at all time points showed significant clinical improvement in dryness and pruritus in all participants (p < 0.001). Complete resolution was observed in all participants according to the 5-point scale, though this may reflect a floor effect given mild baseline scores. CONCLUSIONS: The topical formulation appeared to be an effective and well-tolerated emollient; however, the absence of a vehicle control precludes attribution of effects specifically to the active ingredients. Patient-reported outcomes should be interpreted with caution due to the unblinded design. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.70898 PMCID: PMC13158435 PMID: 42108609 [Indexed for MEDLINE] Conflict of interest statement: AI Disclosure: The authors confirm that no generative artificial intelligence or AI‐assisted technologies were used in the analysis, writing or preparation of this manuscript. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional for medical concerns. Full disclaimer →