Moisturizer Based on Multi-Targeted Skin Barrier Repair Conception: Evidence From In Vitro and Clinical Evaluations

Skin barrier dysfunction is a key driver of skin sensitivity and inflammatory dermatoses. However, the long-term efficacy of existing moisturizers remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a moisturizer formulated with target skin disruption, lock in moisture, connect skin cells (TLC) technology using in vitro and clinical evaluations.

The efficacy of the TLC complex was assessed through ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced full-thickness skin, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-damaged epidermis, and capsaicin-stimulated keratinocytes in vitro. Clinical evaluations were conducted to comprehensively assess the soothing effects, hydration enhancement, and barrier repair of the TLC technology-based moisturizer.

The TLC complex significantly suppressed the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, interleukin-1α, prostaglandin E2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (all p < 0.01). It also markedly increased aquaporin-3, natural moisturizing factor levels, and the ceramide-to-protein ratio (all p < 0.01). The expression of key barrier proteins, including filaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, keratin 10, corneodesmosin, claudin-1, and laminin-5, was significantly restored (all p < 0.01). Clinically, the TLC moisturizer significantly reduced facial redness proportion, a* value, erythema index, and Sensitive Scale-10 score (all p < 0.001). A single application markedly boosted hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss (p < 0.001). The moisturizer also significantly accelerated barrier repair in SLS-damaged skin (p < 0.001).

The TLC-based moisturizer demonstrated comprehensive anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and barrier-restoring effects in preclinical and clinical evaluations, supporting its use as a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for individuals with sensitive or compromised skin.