Barrier function of human skin and human reconstructed epidermis
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Updated: Nov 7, 2026

Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale
Published on: May 28, 2021
M Regnier1, D Caron, U Reichert
1Centre International de Recherches Dermatologiques Galderma, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne, France.
Abstract:
The present study compares the stratum corneum of human skin and human reconstructed epidermis by histological examination as well as by estimation of water permeability. Measurement of the percutaneous absorption of benzoic acid, testosterone, and hydrocortisone revealed that under the same experimental conditions the reconstructed epidermis on de-epidermized dermis exhibits a barrier function with qualitative properties similar to that of normal skin: water and benzoic acid penetrate more rapidly than testosterone and hydrocortisone. Quantitatively, however, reconstructed epidermis is more permeable than normal human skin. This points to an impaired barrier function of the epidermis reconstructed in vitro.
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