The anti-sebum property of chitosan particles

Seborrhea is linked to several medical and mental conditions. Although it is common, effective agents and the standardized sebum level for seborrhea are not elucidated.

To determine the efficacy of chitosan particles (CP) formulation on controlling sebum secretion, its extended effects on skin redness and texture after combining with proretinal nanoparticles (CP-PRN), and a correlation of the clinical grading with sebum levels that affect mental health.

A four-week clinical trial with forty subjects was conducted. Subjects applied either CP formulation or CP-PRN during nighttime. Objective measurements including sebum levels, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin corneometry, skin redness, and texture were analyzed. Subjects completed a self-assessment clinical grading of skin oiliness at every visit.

Both CP and CP-PRN significantly decreased sebum levels (P ≤ .01) at week 4 compared to baseline. CP also resulted in significant decreases in TEWL (P ≤ .05) and skin corneometry (P ≤ .05) throughout the study. A significant improvement in skin redness was observed with CP-PRN (P ≤ .01). A moderate correlation between the clinical grading and sebum levels was detected (coefficient of 0.5, P ≤ .001), with a sebum level of 106 μg cm^-2 indicating emotional discomfort. One subject experienced local irritation with the CP-PRN. Mild pruritic symptoms were reported in both groups.

Chitosan particles exhibited an interesting anti-sebum effect. It could be combined with PRN to extend benefits without losing the sebum controlling effect. The clinical grading may be useful in practice due to a modest correlation with sebum levels.