A clinical trial conducted on behalf of natural beauty brand Burt’s Bees has shown that nature-based approaches to sensitive skin can work better than dermatologically recommended synthetic regimens.
The findings of the study were reported at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California (February 16-20, 2018). The nature-based regimen consisted of Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser, Sensitive Eye Cream, Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream and Sensitive Night Cream.
“It is exciting to see these data validate the nature-based approach for achieving skin benefits that many patients with sensitive skin seek,” said Zoe Draelos, MD, Dermatology Consulting Services, High Point, NC, principal investigator of the study.
“It is exciting to see these data validate the nature-based approach for achieving skin benefits that many patients with sensitive skin seek”
“We’re pleased to see the data support the efficacy of Burt’s Bees nature-based regimen, and even exceed the synthetic control regimen in overall skin appearance and epidermal barrier function,” said Matt Gregory, General Manager for Burt’s Bees. “People are increasingly curious about the ingredients they put on their skin, and interested in nature-based solutions to meet their skin care needs. With these clinical results, and the recent award of the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval, we’re pleased to offer patients with sensitive skin an effective nature-based regimen.”
The results from the double-blind randomized and controlled, with a dermatologist-recommended synthetic regimen, clinical trial in 120 subjects with clinically diagnosed sensitive skin resulting from rosacea, atopic dermatitis/eczema, or cosmetic intolerance demonstrated that Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen clinically and statistically improved investigator-rated overall skin appearance by 34% with similar improvements in visual and tactile smoothness, clarity and radiance. Similar improvements were absent with a dermatologist recommended synthetic regimen. Improvements occurred in each skin condition. Overall appearance improved in subjects with atopic dermatitis/eczema by 38%, rosacea by 34% and cosmetic intolerance by 31%. The maximum improvement in subjects with any skin condition treated with the synthetic regimen was 11% (atopic dermatitis/eczema). Importantly, tolerability parameters did not worsen and most improved with the Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen.
Both regimens improved epidermal barrier function in each condition as measured by transepidermal water loss where increases were seen ranging from 9 to 20%. Skin hydration improvements measured by corneometry with the synthetic regimen were greater; however, Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen maintained skin hydration and did not cause any dryness. In a second study of 51 subjects with self-perceived sensitive skin, Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen was well tolerated and maintained skin hydration.