A Clinical Evaluation of Marula-Derived Ceramide Cream on Skin Barrier Function Enhancement

NCT07066150 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: QDCPCH2500065-02-CN
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Previously, the investigators have demonstrated in vitro the excellent efficacy of marula oil-derived ceramide NPs in enhancing skin barrier function. The investigators's findings show that marula oil-derived ceramide NPs not only significantly reduces levels of inflammatory cytokines but also promotes the expression of key proteins in skin barrier integrity. These results suggest that marula oil-derived ceramide NPs may offer a more effective therapeutic option for skin barrier-disrupted diseases. Therefore, the investigators aim to further investigate the repair function of marula oil-derived ceramide NPs on the human epidermal barrier through a clinical trial.

Conditions

Atopic Dermatitis (AD); Psoriasis; Acne Vulgaris; Contact Dermatitis; Photodamaged Skin; Ichthyosis; Xerosis Cutis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• Evaluation of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) Following Topical Facial Cream Application

  This study measures transepidermal water loss (TEWL) using a Tewameter (Tewameter® TM Hex) device. TEWL measurements are obtained from the standardized cheek area (left and right sides) at baseline (Day 0), 7 days after initiating twice-daily application of the topical facial cream (Day 7), and 28 days after initiation (Day 28). The primary outcome is the TEWL rate, quantified as grams per hour per square meter (g/h/m²).

  Outcome assessments: baseline (Day 0), Day 7, and Day 28 (after 28 days of twice-daily cream application). Total study duration: 28 days.

• Evaluation of Skin Hydration Following Application of a Topical Facial Cream

  This clinical study evaluates stratum corneum hydration in adult participants using a Corneometer® CM 825 device. Standardized measurements of the designated cheek area (either left or right side, consistently applied for all participants) are performed to assess the primary parameter: stratum corneum moisture content, which is reported in Corneometer Units (C.U.). The study follows a structured protocol where the topical facial cream is applied twice daily as the investigational intervention, aiming to characterize its impact on skin hydration over the study period.

  Outcome measures are assessed at baseline (Day 0), Day 7 (7 days after cream initiation), and Day 28 (28 days after cream initiation). Participants apply the cream twice daily throughout the 28-day study period.

• Evaluation of Erythema Severity Using a* Color Value in Facial Skin

  This clinical study quantifies facial erythema severity in adult participants by analyzing the CIELAB a\* color value derived from VISIA CR 5.0 - captured images. The target assessment area is a standardized unilateral cheek region (consistently left or right as per pre - defined protocol). Measurements follow a structured protocol, with the primary outcome defined as the change in a\* color value over time, which directly reflects erythema intensity modulation. All image acquisitions and a\* value extractions adhere to validated VISIA CR 5.0 operating procedures to ensure data reliability.

  Measurements at Baseline (Day 0), Day 7, and Day 28 during the 28-day intervention period.

• Quantitative Assessment of Facial Erythema Area.

  This clinical study quantitatively assesses facial erythema area in adult participants using the VISIA CR 5.0 system's erythema analysis module. Erythema area percentage (%) is measured at a pre - defined standardized unilateral cheek region (consistently left or right, per protocol). Assessments follow the device's standard erythema detection mode under controlled, validated lighting conditions. The primary outcome is the change in erythema area percentage over the study period, with all measurements adhering to VISIA CR 5.0's validated operating procedures to ensure data reliability.

  Outcome assessed at Baseline (Day 0), Day 7 , and Day 28 during 28-day study.

• Effect of Topical Facial Cream on Skin Thickness.

  This clinical study evaluates the effect of a topical facial cream on skin thickness in adult participants. Using the Dermalab® Combo device, standardized measurements of epidermal and dermal thickness (μm) are performed at the zygomatic fat region of a pre - defined unilateral cheek (consistently left or right, per protocol). The primary outcomes are changes in epidermal thickness and dermal thickness over the study period, with all assessments following validated Dermalab® Combo operating procedures to ensure data reliability. The topical facial cream is applied as per the study protocol, and measurements adhere to a structured schedule to characterize its impact on skin thickness.

  Assessments at Baseline (Day 0), Day 7 , and Day 28 during 28-day intervention period.

• Effect of Topical Facial Cream on Skin Density

  This clinical study evaluates the effect of a topical facial cream on facial skin density in adult participants. Using the Dermalab® Combo device, standardized measurements of skin density are performed at the zygomatic fat region of a pre-defined unilateral cheek (consistently left or right, per protocol). Skin density is quantified in device-specific arbitrary units, with all assessments following validated Dermalab® Combo operating procedures to ensure data reliability. The primary outcome is the change in skin density over the study period, with the topical facial cream applied as per the study protocol. Measurements adhere to a structured schedule to characterize the cream's impact on skin density.

  Outcome assessed at Baseline (Day 0), Day 7, and Day 28 during 28-day intervention period

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Assessment of Stinging Response to Topical Facial Cream Using Lactic Acid Stinging Test

  Single assessment at Baseline (Day 0)

• Participant Self-Assessment of Facial Skin Condition Following Topical Product Application

  Self-assessment questionnaires administered at Baseline (Day 0), Day 7, and Day 28 during 28-day intervention

• Participant-Reported Satisfaction with Topical Facial Product Efficacy.

  Self-assessment questionnaires administered at Day 7 and Day 28 post-intervention initiation.

Study Arms (1)

Marula Oil-Derived Ceramide NPs Cream Treatment Group

EXPERIMENTAL

The participants were requested to apply a cream containing 0.05% marula oil-derived ceramide NPs on their faces twice daily for 28 consecutive days.

Other: Apply a cream containing 0.05% marula oil-derived ceramide NPs

Interventions

Apply a cream containing 0.05% marula oil-derived ceramide NPs OTHER

The participants were requested to apply a cream containing 0.05% marula oil-derived ceramide NPs on their faces twice daily for 28 consecutive days.

Marula Oil-Derived Ceramide NPs Cream Treatment Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy females aged 18 to 60 years
• Skin types: oily, combination oily, neutral, dry, or combination dry
• Ethnicity: Asian (Chinese)
• Sensitive skin confirmed by lactic acid stinging test screening
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) \> 15 g/h/m² in one cheek area
• Stratum corneum moisture content \<50 C.U. in one cheek area
• Visual redness score 3-6 per SGS standard atlas (0-9 scale, 0.5-point increment)
• Willingness to sign photo consent form
• No significant skin lesions, scars, or excessive facial/neck hair
• Ability to comply with protocol requirements and maintain consistent lifestyle

You may not qualify if:

• Unwillingness to comply with protocol requirements
• Concurrent participation in other clinical studies
• Cosmetic/drug use on assessment day
• Pregnancy or lactation (self-reported)
• Pharmacological treatment during study
• Infectious skin diseases or atopic dermatitis
• Skin abnormalities in assessment area (e.g., moles, telangiectasia)
• Skin peeling/cosmetic procedures within 3 months prior to enrollment
• Immunosuppressant therapy within 3 months prior to enrollment
• Systemic steroid treatment or phototherapy within 1 month prior to enrollment
• Use of topical medications/special efficacy cosmetics on target area within 2 weeks prior to enrollment
• Assessment area lesions interfering with measurements
• History of severe reactions to cosmetics, drugs, or light exposure
• Principal Investigator discretion of unsuitability

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Shanghai Chicmax Cosmetic Co., Ltd.: lead
• SGS S.A.: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services (Qingdao) Co., Ltd.

Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Dermatitis, Atopic; Psoriasis; Acne Vulgaris; Dermatitis, Contact; Ichthyosis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Skin Diseases, Genetic; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Dermatitis; Skin Diseases; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases; Skin Diseases, Eczematous; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Hypersensitivity; Immune System Diseases; Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous; Acneiform Eruptions; Sebaceous Gland Diseases; Skin Abnormalities; Congenital Abnormalities; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Keratosis

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: INDUSTRY
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 19, 2025
• First Posted: July 15, 2025
• Study Start: February 6, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 6, 2025
• Study Completion: April 2, 2025
• Last Updated: July 15, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)