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Updated: Aug 31, 2026
An In Vitro Skin Irritation Test (SIT) using the EpiDerm Reconstructed Human Epidermal (RHE) Model
Published on: July 13, 2009
Petrolatum prevents irritation in a human cumulative exposure model in vivo
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Background:
Protective creams (PCs) have been studied in different models indicating a protective effect of some products. In order to compare PCs in different studies, a generic reference standard should be available.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate if petrolatum prevents epidermal barrier disruption induced by various irritants in a repetitive irritation test (RIT) and to assess its potential as a standard reference product.
Methods:
White petrolatum was evaluated against a set of 4 irritants [10% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), 1% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 30% lactic acid (LA) and undiluted toluene (TOL)] in the RIT. Twenty subjects were tested on the paravertebral skin of the midback. Irritation was assessed by visual scoring, transepidermal water loss and colorimetry.
Results:
Petrolatum was very effective against SLS, NaOH and LA irritation, and it provided a moderate protection against TOL.
Conclusion:
Petrolatum can be recommended as a standard reference substance against which PCs may be compared as it is effective against water-soluble and water-insoluble irritants in a standardized test procedure.
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