Evaluation of comedogenic potential of a ceramide-based moisturizer (lotion/cream): A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparative study

Objectives Comedogenicity is a crucial consideration for cosmetic preparations. While most of the ingredients used in moisturizers may have the ability to cause comedones, the study was done to assess the non-comedogenic potential of test products (Venusia CeraPlus Moisturizers). The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the comedogenic potential of the test products using light microscopy. Materials and Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, positive- and negative-controlled, two-cohort study to evaluate the comedogenic potential of Venusia CeraPlus moisturizers. Thirty female volunteers with follicular orifices in the upper back region were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. The four sites were marked for the application of each of the two test products and controls occluded by the patch. A follicular biopsy using the cyanoacrylate method was performed for each site. Product application using a patch was done after 2 h of the biopsy on alternate days. Microcomedones grading was done using rating scale (0 = Non comedogenic, 1 = Small microcomedones, 2 = Moderately sized microcomedones, 3 = Large globoid microcomedones over the entire field). Results The mean comedogenic grade for the coconut oil (positive control) and glycerine (negative control) was 1.92 and 0.42, respectively. The significant difference ( P = 0.001) between the positive and negative control validated the method. The mean comedone grade in Venusia CeraPlus Cream ( P = 0.001) and Venusia CeraPlus Lotion ( P = 0.001) was significantly less than that of the positive control. No adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusion Based on the results, Venusia CeraPlus moisturizers were non-comedogenic, effective, and well tolerated by participants.