title: Chitin-glucan, a natural cell scaffold for skin moisturization and rejuvenation.
abstract: Two clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the tolerance and effects of a copolymer of chitin and beta-glucan, forming the exoskeleton of fungal cell walls, now supplied for cosmetic applications. A 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 13 volunteers with sensitive skin to compare with 0.5-2% formulations chitin-glucan applied twice daily. Biometrological evaluations showed that erythema did not develop, the water retention capacity of the stratum corneum increased and the transepidermal water loss moderately decreased. Another 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 20 men showing signs of ageing skin. A 1.5% chitin-glucan formulation was applied twice daily. Objective biometrological assessments showed a progressive increase in skin firmness and stratum corneum hydration when desquamation and skin roughness decreased. In conclusion, the chitin-glucan formulations appear safe. They significantly mitigate some signs of skin ageing and improve both stratum corneum hydration and skin barrier function.
authors.affiliation: KitoZyme sa, Rue Haute Claire 4, Parc Industriel des Hauts-Sarts, B-4040 Herstal, Belgium. se.gautier@kitozyme.com
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gautier
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Xhauflaire-Uhoda
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gonry
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Piérard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004655:Emulsions / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D004655:Emulsions; D047071:beta-Glucans; D002686:Chitin