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Topically applied L-carnitine effectively reduces sebum secretion in human skin
Reto I Peirano1, Tina Hamann, Hans-Jürgen Düsing
1Beiersdorf AG, Research & Development, Skin Research, Hamburg, Germany.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
|February 25, 2012
Summary
L-carnitine effectively reduces sebum production by increasing fat metabolism in skin cells. This naturally occurring compound is bioavailable and offers a topical solution for managing oily skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Cosmetic Science
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum production due to heightened sebaceous gland activity.
- This condition results in an undesirable shiny and oily skin appearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a natural active substance capable of regulating fat metabolism and reducing sebum production in human sebaceous glands.
- Investigate L-carnitine as a potential agent for controlling sebum overproduction.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using SZ95 human sebaceous cells to assess L-carnitine's impact on beta-oxidation and intracellular lipid content.
- Skin penetration experiments with radioactively labeled L-carnitine in a pig skin model.
- A 3-week in vivo randomized controlled study using a 2% L-carnitine cosmetic formulation to measure sebum production via Sebutape(®).
Main Results:
- L-carnitine treatment significantly increased beta-oxidation in SZ95 cells in a concentration-dependent manner.
- Intracellular lipid content decreased significantly with L-carnitine application, showing a dose-dependent effect.
- Topical L-carnitine demonstrated bioavailability, reaching the dermis, and significantly reduced sebum secretion rates in vivo compared to vehicle treatment.
Conclusions:
- L-carnitine treatment augments beta-oxidation and reduces intracellular lipids in human sebocytes.
- Topically applied L-carnitine is bioavailable and effectively reduces sebum production in vivo.
- L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound suitable for the topical treatment of oily skin.
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