A randomized, assessor-blinded, comparative study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oat extract-based moisturizer in adult individuals with dry skin

Background: Dry skin or xeroderma is a very frequent condition which occurs at any age. Moisturizers including conventional oatmeal have been widely used to improve dry skin conditions. Oat-based moisturizer can protect, hydrate, and promote the endogenous barrier repair. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oat extract-based moisturizer in adult individuals with dry skin. Materials and Methods: This study was a treatment-randomized, assessor-blinded, no treatment controlled, comparative study. A total of 36 individuals were included in the study. Oat extract-based moisturizer (test product) and control treatment (no product application) were randomized, as per randomization plan and applied to all individuals on the surface of volar forearm 2 cm (1 cm radius) in diameter. In addition, right cheek as control site and left cheek as test site (oat extract-based moisturizer lotion) were considered for sebum level and facial skin pH analysis. Results: Oat extract-based moisturizer possessed excellent skin moisturizing properties. Both the Corneometer® and modified Kligman score, respectively, showed significant improvement (P < 0.0001) in skin hydration and decrease in skin dryness with respect to baseline till 24 h postapplication. Furthermore, Cutometer® reading had statistically significant increase in skin elasticity as compared to baseline till 6 h postapplication. There was no statistically significant effect on skin pH and sebum level as compared to control treatment. This concludes that oat extract-based moisturizer is effective in improving skin hydration and elasticity without any change in skin pH and sebum levels. Conclusion: Test product (oat extract-based moisturizer lotion) was safe and well tolerated. Efficacy analysis showed that the effect of oat extract-based moisturizer was significant in terms of skin hydration and skin elasticity.