Kenvue recently made a splash under its new name by sharing 22 datasets from clinical studies and others at this year's AAD meeting. "This is our first time presenting as Kenvue at the annual AAD meeting," explained said Adam Ricciardone, head of R&D for global skin health and beauty, and head of R&D North America. "...This evidence illustrates our ongoing commitment to delivering science-backed, care-forward experiences that are loved by consumers and recommended by health care professionals and experts.”
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Kenvue recently made a splash under its new name by sharing 22 datasets from clinical studies and others at this year's AAD meeting. "This is our first time presenting as Kenvue at the annual AAD meeting," explained said Adam Ricciardone, head of R&D for global skin health and beauty, and head of R&D North America. "...This evidence illustrates our ongoing commitment to delivering science-backed, care-forward experiences that are loved by consumers and recommended by health care professionals and experts.”
It's no surprise that a globally renowned health and personal care giant like Kenvue is driving home the message that clinical results are king. The company always has. But now, consumers have come to expect expert-backed, derm-inspired beauty. Per Global Cosmetic Industry, a Mintel report noted that "consumers’ focus on value has led to a rise in popularity for clinical skin care brands. In fact, 53% of U.S. beauty and personal care consumers research beauty ingredients to understand product effectiveness."
See related: Top 2024 Beauty Ingredient Trends
Clinical beauty is one trend contributing to the growth of the estimated $115.65-billion skin care market (in 2024) — which is projected to reach $194.05 billion by 2032 (CAGR = 6.68%), per Fortune Business Insights. The microbiome is another. One estimate by Grand View Research places the global microbiome skin care market around $835.2 million by 2030; an estimated CAGR of 11.5% from 2024 to 2030.
However, as the industry knows, we're only just beginning to understand the microbiome, what it is and does, and even how to measure it. That makes for a real sticky wicket when it comes to proving clinical efficacy. But we have to start somewhere, and many cosmetic industry innovators have made attempts to do such. Like anything in science, combining the insights from all these efforts is what it will take to advance our understanding of it.
Kenvue is one recent contributor. As stated, the company presented several studies at the AAD meeting and among those were four in particular that focused on the microbiome. Here, oat-containing moisturizers from the Aveeno and Neutrogena brands reportedly "made the skin’s microbiome more resilient in a variety of populations;" i.e., young children predisposed to eczema, women with dry skin, adults with mild to moderate eczema, and adults receiving immunobiological treatment for psoriasis, per the company.
Following is an overview of the microbiome work and the other studies presented by Kenvue. This demonstrates the company's focus on clinical evidence and derm-based beauty; not to mention the findings uncovered in acne care, hyperpigmentation, NMF + lipids for a skin barrier boost, TXA + niacinamide anti-aging and more.
See related: Lauder Reveals Barrier, Glycation, Circadian Cycle, Collagen Boost and Sensitive Skin Insights at SID
Microbiome Studies
- Early Used of Topical Colloidal Oat Treatment Associated with Infant Skin Microbiome Effects and Decreased Risk of Atopic Dermatitis (AD)
Insel R.A, et al., explored a potential prevention strategy for children predisposed to AD. Here, investigators recommended the twice daily application of an oat- and glycerin-containing emollient to children from birth through the age of eight weeks. Compared with a control group, DNA sequencing of skin microbiome samples collected from the cheeks and elbows showed children treated with the emollient from birth to two months had lasting effects, with a greater abundance of skin-health associated microflora. They also reportedly had a lower risk of developing eczema at ages of six and 12 months.
- Two-Week Topical Application of Colloidal Oatmeal Gel Cream Supports Commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis in Mild-to-Moderate AD
Work by Comito, N., et al., showed that a 2% colloidal oatmeal gel cream eased eczema. To confirm how it reverses this chronic dryness, they undertook a study in adults with mild to moderate eczema who used the cream on dry skin twice daily for two weeks. Microbiome testing showed an increase in the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis, an organism associated with healthy skin.
- Colloidal Oatmeal + Biomimetic Lipids + Beta Glucan Active Associated with Improvements in AD in Brazilian Multi-Ethnic Patients
Renno. I., et al., showed that an oat-based “recovering cream” was consistently ranked as effective and well-tolerated in a diverse population of patients with eczema according to a wide range of investigative instruments. Improvements associated with use of the cream included: more thorough skin hydration, reduced presence of Staphylococcus aureus, less discomfort and a better quality of life (QoL). Outcomes were confirmed via Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), the Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), instrumental measurements, images, skin microbiome analysis and patient self-assessment.
- Fundamental Learnings on the Skin Microbiome and Metabolomics of Pre-Aging in Chinese Females
Research by Ma, Y., et al.; additional details not provided
Additional Studies
Well-being
- Continued Use of Oat-containing Moisturizer Increases Well-Being of Patients with Psoriasis Undergoing Immunobiological Therapy
As Renno, I., et al., explain, psoriasis can impact patients’ QoL due to itchy skin lesions and self-consciousness about appearance. This study followed patients receiving an immunobiological treatment for the chronic condition who also administered concomitant self-care using an oat-containing moisturizer. Results indicated the treatment contributed to their well-being and improved their complexion. Reportedly, these results satisfied HCP requests for evidence demonstrating the efficacy of such a moisturizer in this population of patients.
- Cooling Gel Cream with Oat Improves Itch Frequency, QoL in AD Patients
Previous work by Draelos, Z.D., et al, uncovered the clinical benefits of a 2% oat-containing cooling gel cream for individuals with eczema. Thus, investigators wanted to learn more about the formula’s contributions to QoL. After using the cream for two weeks, more patients classified their itchiness as infrequent and minimally bothersome than at the study’s start. Participants also reported feeling better prepared to manage their eczema and they appreciated the cooling relief provided by the gel.
Barrier Boost
- Oat-Containing Cream to Boost Loricrin, Claudin 1 and Improve Skin Barrier: In vitro and Clinical Observations
To confirm preclinical findings that an oat-containing cream improved skin barrier function, Wang, Q., et al., tested the formula in women having dry skin. Four weeks after baseline, participants had significantly higher levels of the proteins that regulate overall skin condition, skin moisture and transdermal water loss. Furthermore, after the study treatment ceased, skin improvements were maintained for three or more days. - Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) + Lipid-containing Face Cream Induces Aquaporin-3 and Filaggrin Expression, Associated with Barrier Improvements and Sustained Hydration in Extra-Dry Skin
Per Bernhardt, K.T., et al., beautifully hydrated skin is a common goal but it is difficult to establish customer compliance with lightweight creams that do not last or that leave heavy residues. Here, a series of preclinical and clinical studies explored the treatment of extra-dry skin with a precisely formulated cream. Results found the NMF- and epidermal lipids-containing cream not only promoted compliance, but also was therapeutic in maintaining the moisture barrier and improving its health and function.
Sunscreen and Anti-photoaging Efficacy
- Clinical Effectiveness of Mineral (ZnO) Sunscreens in Protecting Against Ultraviolet A (UVA) Radiation-Induced Pigmentation
As Shyr, T.C., et al., explain, sunscreens that contain minerals, especially ZnO, are known to provide UVA protection but their clinical relevance to UVA-induced pigmentation has not been fully clarified. Here, the researchers compared the effectiveness of eight broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens with or without ZnO. After applying sunscreens to participants’ skin, the researchers captured images of the pigmentation occurring upon exposure to UVA light. Sunscreens with ZnO provided better protection against UVA light than those without it. - In vivo Test of Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Against UVA-induced Pigmentation and Visible Light-induced Cutaneous Oxidative Stress
Research by Edison., B., et al.; details not provided - Single-center, Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Moisturizing Efficacy of Topically Applied Mineral Sunscreens for 24 hr After a Single Application in Adults having Dry Skin
Research by Benn, M., et al.; details not provided - Photoprotection of Personal Handheld Umbrellas
Research by Schmalwieser, A.W., et al.; details not provided - Brightening and Anti-Hyperpigmentation Efficacy of Phenylethyl Resorcinol Formula Using Multi-Methodology: In vitro 3D Skin Model and Clinical Trial
Research by Ying, L., et al.; details not provided
Acne Care
- Tolerance and Efficacy of Hydrocolloid Patches as Fast-Acting Acne Treatment
As Kosmoski, G., et al., explain, many individuals afflicted by acne seek an overnight response and gravitate toward over-the-counter hydrocolloid patches, but there is limited data confirming the efficacy of this product form. In the described work, researchers conducted a randomized trial of the Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Hydrocolloid Patch product in participants with mild to moderate acne. Patche users perceived a noticeable reduction in the size, texture and redness of both closed and popped pimples within one day, compared with those who did not use patches. - Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine Serum Shown to Clinically Improve PIH and Post-Acne Marks
Research by Draelos Z.D., et al.; details not provided
Anti-aging/Skin Brightening
- Facial Serum Containing Suspension of Dissolvable Hyaluronic Acid Microneedles and Retinol Improves Penetration and Anti-aging Efficacy in Aged Skin
Research by Ando, M., et al.; details not provided - Clinical Evaluation of Retinol + Hexylresorcinol Synergy After 6 Months of Use in a Topical Anti-aging Regimen
Research by Tan, H.Y., et al.; details not provided - Efficacy of a Bi-Phase Serum Containing Vitamin C Derivatives and Retinol in Aged Skin
Research by Nishizawa, T., et al.; details not provided - Retinol + Antioxidant Delivers Pre-Aging Skin Benefits
- Research by Chiy, W., et al.; details not provided
Sensitive Skin
- Tolerance and Effectiveness of a Formulation Containing Acetyl Hydroxyproline on Sensitive Skin
Research by Huang, Y., et al; details not provided
Body Care
- Daily Topical Truncal Acne Regimen Comprising Exfoliating Cleanser + Soothing Body Moisturizer
Research by Hussain, R.F., et al.; details not provided - Top Ingredients for Oral Skin Supplements – A Data Science Evidence-based Approach
Research by Hoevenaars, F., et al.; details not provided
