The effectiveness of molecular oxygen in cosmetic formulations

Synopsis In a preliminary clinical study, two cosmetic preparations were compared, one without an oxygen carrier and therefore without oxygen, the other one containing the oxygen carrier, fully saturated with oxygen. The parameters measured were the moisture content of the skin and the skin profile. Since the oxygen-free product contained the same ingredients, including phospholipids in liposomal form, with the exception of perfluorodecalin - the oxygen carrier, this investigation showed that perfluorodecalin plus molecular oxygen improves the barrier function of the skin. In a second clinical study, five cosmetic preparations containing various amounts of molecular oxygen from 1.44 ml to 4.5 ml per 100 ml product were compared. The parameters measured were the oxygen partial pressure of the skin, the moisture content of the skin, and the skin profile. A linear dose-dependent increase in oxygen partial pressure of the skin (r=0.978) and a linear dose-dependent reduction in fine lines and wrinkles (r=0.9855) was found. The results for the increase in skin moisture were more difficult to interpret. There seemed to be an overlap of the moisturizing base with the efficacy coming from the increasing amount of oxygen per application.