Abstract

This study was purposed to determine the effects of newly formulated topical skin-care cream (w/o emulsion) of Hippophae rhmanoides versus its vehicle (Base) as control on stratum corneum (SC) water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Concentrated H. rhamnoids (sea Buckthorn) fruit extract was entrapped in the inner aqueous phase w/o emulsion. Newly formulated and previously evaluated base (containing no active material) and a formulation (containing 1% concentrated extarct of H. rhmanoides) were applied. Both the base and formulation were applied to the cheeks of 21 healthy human volunteers for a period of 8 weeks. SC water content and TEWL were monitored every week to measure any effect produced by these topical creams. The vehicle (base) showed insignificant (p≥ 0.05) effects whereas the formulation showed statistically significant (p≤0.05) decrease in TEWL. SC water content was significantly (p≤0.05)  increased by the formulation. The newly formulated cream of H. rhmanoides fruit extract, applied is suitable for improvement and quantitative monitoring of skin hydration level (SC water content/ moisturising effects) and reducing TEWL in people with dry skin.

Key words: Sea Buckthorn, skin, Stratum corneum (SC), water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).