Anti-Pruritic and Analgesic Effects of a Topical Formulation Containing Troxerutin: A Pilot Study

Sensitive skin is often characterized by increased sensitivity to environmental and cosmetic stimuli, leading to pruritus and pain. Current treatments remain inadequate, leaving many affected individuals in discomfort. Troxerutin, a TRPV1-inhibiting material, has shown potential in alleviating these symptoms by improving skin barrier function.

This study evaluates the efficacy of a topical formulation containing troxerutin in reducing skin sensitivity, improving hydration, and enhancing the quality of life in individuals with sensitive skin.

Adult participants over 20 years old with clinically diagnosed sensitive skin applied a troxerutin-containing moisturizer twice daily for 8 weeks. The effects were assessed using transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), Sensitive Scale-10 (SS-10), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Measurements were taken at baseline, 2, 4, and 8 weeks.

Twenty adult participants who were clinically diagnosed with sensitive skin were registered. Statistically significant reductions in TEWL were observed at 2 weeks (p = 0.047) and 4 weeks (p = 0.021), indicating an improvement in skin barrier function. SCH significantly increased after 2 and 4 weeks (p = 0.007, p = 0.002). SS-10 scores improved markedly, from 64.17 ± 12.96 at baseline to 39.84 ± 17.00 at 8 weeks (p < 0.001), suggesting decreased skin sensitivity. The DLQI score improved from 18.60 ± 5.00 to 8.50 ± 5.10 (p = 0.000), highlighting enhanced quality of life. Additionally, regional facial erythema-most notably in the cheeks and nose-was significantly reduced after 4 weeks of treatment, indicating a beneficial effect on localized vascular reactivity.

Troxerutin significantly reduces pruritus and pain in individuals with sensitive skin and enhances skin barrier function and hydration, ultimately improving overall skin comfort and patient satisfaction.