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LUGANO, Switzerland —Â Dry, itchy skin can be incredibly annoying, but a study is providing some hope for a happy epidermis. Researchers in Germany have developed a novel fragrance to be added into skin moisturizers intended for people who deal with particularly dry skin.
Skin cell tests have confirmed that the fragrance is allergen-depleted and offers anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, human participants who used a moisturizer created using the fragrance on their forearms after shaving for three straight days saw big reductions in skin redness.
Fragrances are a top cause of allergic contact dermatitis. So, it is quite an accomplishment that this new fragrance has none of the 26 commonly known allergens, as well as without any of the 60+ potential allergens currently under evaluation.
High marks among people who tested scented moisturizer
More importantly, researchers say it smells pleasant. That's a big factor when it comes to whether or not consumers are willing to use moisturizers using this fragrance.
“A moisturizer containing our novel fragrance could provide an improved treatment option for people with dry skin conditions. It would be both pleasant to use due to its scent, enhancing patients` treatment adherence, and actively soothe inflammation. Hence, the long-standing paradigm of fragranced moisturizers considered as allergenic risk in the treatment of xerotic dermatoses may soon become obsolete,” says Dr. Julia Gallinger, a senior scientist at Beiersdorf AG in a media release.
“The fragrance has been integrated into two new Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS products for dry skin to provide skin care with a pleasurable experience.”
Among 86 people who tried the new moisturizer for two weeks, 97 percent said they enjoy using the product. Another 91 percent add the fragrance makes their skincare routine more enjoyable and 71 percent prefer this new scented moisturizer to their usual unscented moisturizer they normally use.
This research was presented at the 29th EADV Congress.
