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Completed NA INTERVENTIONAL NCT07066150

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

View on ClinicalTrials.gov Updated Dec 15, 2025

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.

Detailed Description

Marula oil, a botanical ingredient widely utilized in the cosmetics industry, has attracted significant attention due to its exceptional skin-beneficial attributes. Characterized by its richness in monounsaturated fatty acids, predominantly oleic acid, and antioxidants, marula oil exhibits potent moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant activities. Notably, despite sharing a similar fatty acid profile with olive oil, marula oil demonstrates tenfold greater resistance to lipid oxidation. Additionally, the fatty acid chain lengths of marula oil, spanning from C14 to C22, closely align with those of human skin ceramides, positioning it as an ideal precursor for the synthesis of plant-derived ceramide NPs. Previously, the investigators has demonstrated in vitro that marula oil-derived ceramide NPs have excellent efficacy in enhancing skin barrier function. The investigators' findings show that marula oil-derived ceramide NPs not only significantly reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines but also promote 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. Against this backdrop, the investigators aims to assess the efficacy of a marula oil-derived ceramide NPs cream in moisturizing, soothing, and repairing the skin barrier. A 28-day prospective study will be conducted on adult subjects, who will use the product as directed under standardized conditions. The investigation will also evaluate the suitability of the cream for sensitive skin, focusing on its non-irritating properties.

Interventions

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

Type: OTHER

Description: 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.

Primary Outcomes

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

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

Description: 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).

Measure: Evaluation of Skin Hydration Following Application of a Topical Facial Cream

TimeFrame: 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.

Description: 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.

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

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

Description: 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.

Measure: Quantitative Assessment of Facial Erythema Area.

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

Description: 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.

Measure: Effect of Topical Facial Cream on Skin Thickness.

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

Description: 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.

Measure: Effect of Topical Facial Cream on Skin Density

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

Description: 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.

Trial Information

NCT ID

NCT07066150

Status

Completed

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Phases

Sponsor

Shanghai Chicmax Cosmetic Co., Ltd.

Last Updated

December 15, 2025