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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This study evaluates cutaneous stinging response through a standardized Lactic Acid Stinging Test. Participants receive 10% lactic acid versus distilled water (control) applications on bilateral nasolabial folds. Stinging intensity is scored as: 0 (None), 1 (Mild), 2 (Moderate), 3 (Severe). Primary outcome: total score summation from both application sites.

Participants assess facial skin condition using a validated self-assessment questionnaire. Assessment area: Full face. Scoring scale: 0 (ideal skin) to 9 (very unsatisfactory condition).

Participants report satisfaction and perceived efficacy using a self-assessment questionnaire applied to full facial skin. Scale anchors: 1 (very dissatisfied) to 7 (very satisfied).