An effective, cosmetically acceptable, novel hydro-gel emollient for the management of dry skin conditions

BACKGROUND: A novel hydro-gel emollient (Doublebase(TM)) has been developed with improved moisturizing effects. OBJECTIVE: To test this novel hydrogel for its moisturizing effect, for its potential to cause skin irritancy/ allergy and for its clinical effectiveness and acceptability in dry skin conditions. METHODS/RESULTS: Skin hydration (corneometry) and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) studies with a single application in 18 volunteers confirmed its efficacy (p <0. 0001) and showed that it was superior to Ultrabase(R) and Diprobase(R) (p < 0.001). Skin hydration studies with multiple applications in 12 volunteers also showed that it was superior to Ultrabase and Diprobase (p < 0.0001). Irritation tests in 74 eczema-prone patients resulted in only one mild reaction, and allergy tests in 99 healthy volunteers elicited no positive reactions. The clinical acceptability and effectiveness of Doublebase was demonstrated in an open study of 78 patients with dry skin conditions. CONCLUSION: Doublebase may be considered a suitable preparation that can be used effectively by most patients with dry skin conditions.