Background: The efficacy of mouth-rinses strongly depends upon their substantivity. The use of natural and non-toxic products that avoid secondary effects is gaining interest in preventive dentistry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the substantivity of two formulations of mouth-washing solutions based on cetylpyridinium (CPC) and O-cymen-5-ol. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial conducted at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Barcelona. Bacterial re-colonization was followed by live/dead (SYTO^TM9 + propidium iodide) bacterial staining and measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorometry. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 16 healthy individuals at baseline saliva and then, at 15 min, 30 min and 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after the following mouth-rinses: (i) a single, 1-min mouth-rinse with 15 ml of placebo (negative control); (ii) a single, 1-min mouth-rinse with 15 ml of CPC (0.05%) ; (iii) a single, 1-min mouth-rinse with 15 ml of O-cymen-5-ol (0.09%); (iv) a single, 1-min mouth-rinse with 15 ml of CPC (0.05%) + O-cymen-5-ol (0.09%). Results: Proportion of dead bacteria was significantly higher for all mouthrinses during the first 15 min compared to baseline (CPC = 48.0 ± 13.9; 95% CI 40.98–56.99; p < 0.001, O-cymen-5-ol = 79.8 ± 21.0; 95% CI 67.71–91.90; p < 0.05, CPC + O-cymen-5-ol = 49.4 ± 14; 95% CI 40.98–56.99; p < 0.001 by fluorometry and 54.8 ± 23.0; 95% CI 41.50–68.06; p < 0.001, 76.3 ± 17.1; 95% CI 66.36–86.14; p < 0.001, 47.4 ± 11.9; 95% CI 40.49–54.30; p < 0.001 by confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively). Nevertheless, after 4 h, CPC + O-cymen-5-ol was the only one that obtained significant values as measured by the two quantification methods used (80.3 ± 22.8; 95% CI 67.15–93.50; p < 0.05 and 81.4 ± 13.8; 95% CI 73.45–89.43; p < 0.05). The combined use of CPC + O-cymen-5-ol increased the substantivity of the mouthrinse with respect to mouthrinses prepared with either of the two active products alone. Conclusion: The synergistic interaction of CPC and O-cymen-5-ol prolongs their substantivity. The resulting formulation may be as effective as other antimicrobials, such as triclosan or chlorhexidine, but without their undesirable secondary effects. Thus, mouthrinsing products based on Combinations of CPC and O-cymen-5-ol may replace in the near future Triclosan and Chlorhexidine—based mouthrinses.

Introduction Plants are a source of natural ingredients with retinol-like properties that can deliver anti-aging benefits without the side effects typically associated with retinoid use. We hypothesized that by combining two such analogs, bakuchiol (BAK) and Vigna aconitifolia extract (VAE), with the potent retinoid retinal (RAL), the anti-photoaging potential of RAL could be enhanced without compromising its skin irritation profile. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that BAK and VAE potentiate the anti-photoaging activity of RAL. Methods Gene expression profiling of full-thickness reconstructed skin was first used to examine the impact of BAK or VAE in combination with RAL on skin biology. Next, the irritative potential of this combination, and its capacity to reverse key signs of photoaging in an ex vivo model was assessed. Finally, a proof-of-concept open label clinical study was performed to evaluate the anti-photoaging capacity and skin compatibility of a cosmetic formulation (tri-retinoid complex; 3RC) containing this complex in combination with other well characterized anti-photoaging ingredients. Results In vitro profiling suggested that combining 0.1% RAL with BAK or VAE potentiates the effect of RAL on keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier function without affecting its skin irritation profile. When formulated with other anti-photoaging ingredients, such as niacinamide and melatonin, 3RC reversed ultraviolet radiation-induced deficits in structural components of the dermal extracellular matrix, including hyaluronic acid and collagen. In vivo, it led to a reversal of clinical signs of age and photodamage, with statistically significant improvement to skin firmness (+5.6%), skin elasticity (+13.9%), wrinkle count (−43.2%), and skin tone homogeneity (+7.0%), observed within 28 days of once nightly use. Notably, the number of crow’s feet wrinkles was reduced in 100% of subjects. Furthermore, 3RC was very well tolerated. Conclusion These data suggest that 3RC is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for photoaging.

Background: The diverse causes of hyperpigmentation and complex nature of melanogenesis make it a challenge to manage. Current approaches either fail to deliver effective pigmentation control or have undesirable safety profiles that preclude their long‐term use.Aims: To evaluate the capacity of a cosmetic gel serum comprising tranexamic acid, niacinamide, 4‐butylresorcinol, phytic acid, and a mixture of hydroxy acids that was designed to target the biological processes regulating skin melanogenesis to attenuate melanin production in vitro and reduce hyperpigmentation clinically.Methods: Capacity to reduce melanin production in vitro was determined in melanocyte‐containing reconstructed human epidermis (RHEm). Clinical efficacy and skin tolerability following twice daily application were assessed in 35 subjects with slight to moderate facial hyperpigmentation by instrumental (VISIA®‐CR, Mexameter®) and clinical (mMASI, clinical score, IGA for hyperpigmentation) evaluation on D14, D28, D56, and D84. Maintenance of pigmentation control was followed up 1 month after cessation of treatment on D112.Results: In RHEm in vitro, melanin production was reduced by 50.0% from baseline (D0) on D14 (p < 0.001) and by 67.0% on D21 (p < 0.001). Clinical reductions from baseline in brown spots count (−9.0%; p < 0.05), brown spots area (−16.7%; p < 0.001), and the melanin index (−11.4%; p < 0.001) were observed within 14 days of use. Statistically significant improvements in all clinical parameters were achieved by D28. By the end of treatment on D84, the number and surface area of brown spots were reduced by 28.4% and 40.3% compared to D0, respectively (p < 0.001, both), the melanin index was reduced by 31.1% (p < 0.001), mMASI was reduced by 63.0% (p < 0.001), and skin luminosity was increased by 79.0% (p < 0.001). IGA was reduced from 2.3 on D0 to 1.3 on D84 (p < 0.001). Improvements to all these parameters were maintained until D112, 1 month after termination of treatment. The product also demonstrated very good skin tolerability.Conclusion: A gel serum comprising tranexamic acid, niacinamide, 4‐butylresorcinol, and hydroxy acids, designed to target the biological processes regulating skin melanogenesis, demonstrates rapid, robust, and sustained pigmentation control in this cohort.

Onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, affects about 4% of the global population. Current topical antifungals like ciclopirox and amorolfine have limited effectiveness, highlighting the need for better treatments. WSNS-PO is a novel water-soluble therapy designed to treat and prevent onychomycosis by enhancing nail health. This study evaluated WSNS-PO’s ability to penetrate the nail plate and to treat and prevent infection by Trichophyton rubrum using bovine hoof membranes and human nail clippings. The anti-fungal efficacy of WSNS-PO was additionally evaluated against other dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte fungi, and yeast. The results showed that WSNS-PO effectively permeated nails and reduced and prevented the colonization of human nail fragments by T. rubrum ex vivo, demonstrating an efficacy comparable to ciclopirox and amorolfine. WSNS-PO also prevented the transfer of T. rubrum infection between nails and inhibited the fungal colonization of human skin by dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte fungi and yeast. Together, these results indicate that WSNS-PO possesses fungistatic, barrier-forming, and anti-adhesive properties, suggesting that it holds promise as an onychomycosis treatment against dermatophytes, yeast, and molds.