A cross-sectional study on in vivo assessment of herbal cosmeceutical creams in reducing transepidermal water loss

Background Stratum corneum (SC) is the outermost layer of the skin, which acts as a skin barrier. The integrity of SC depends on the optimum hydration level. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a measure of SC water loss. Dry climate or excessive sun exposure may enhance TEWL above the normal rate. Skin formulations reduce the TEWL by forming a moisturizing layer on the skin. Objective To assess the efficacy of the developed herbal cosmeceutical creams in preventing TEWL. Patients and methods The observational study was carried out on 60 healthy volunteers aged 18–25 years from December 12, 2024 to January 11, 2025, after taking written informed consent. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Bioethical Committee. Cream formulations consisting of Aegle marmelos L., Prunus armeniaca L. and Prunus persica L. extracts and their combination were applied on skin. TEWL rates were recorded before and after cream application using a tewameter. Observations were analyzed by paired t -test of pre and post-treatment hydration of skin. Results In pre and post-test analysis treatments with all creams significantly lowered the TEWL: F1 (t=16.85; p =0.0001), F2 (t=12.72; p =0.0001), F3 (t=16.38; p =0.0001), and F4 (t=12.81; p =0.0001). All formulations have produced similar efficacy in reducing TEWL (F=2.406; p =0.077). Conclusion Formulations were effective to be used as alternative cosmeceutical preparations for supporting the barrier function of skin, especially by reducing epidermal water loss and restoring the hydration level of skin.