Novel petrolatum-based ointment that is highly moisturizing and has superior usability with increased adherence in patients with facial dry skin.

Background Petrolatum is often used to suppress water evaporation from the skin surface. However, its stickiness, shininess, and other factors make it inconvenient for continuous use. Objective To compare the effectiveness and usability between a newly developed petrolatum-based ointment (NOV (R) II Moisture Balm) and white petrolatum. Methods Twenty-nine subjects with atopic dermatitis or xeroderma with symptoms of dry skin applied NOV (R) II Moisture Balm on the right sides of the face and white petrolatum on the left side, respectively, for 8-12 weeks. The skin conditions (erythema, exudate/crusting, dryness, and itch) were scored, stratum corneum water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured, and the free amino acid and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels in the stratum corneum were analyzed before and end of the trial. Results Dryness, exudate/crusting, and TEWL decreased significantly on both the white petrolatum and the NOV (R) II Moisture Balm sides, while stratum corneum water content and the free amino acid levels in the stratum corneum increased significantly. On the NOV (R) II Moisture Balm side, erythema and the TSLP levels decreased significantly. In a questionnaire on usability, the subjects felt NOV (R) II Moisture Balm spread better and were less sticky and shiny than white petrolatum, and more subjects wanted to continue using NOV (R) II Moisture Balm. Conclusions NOV (R) II Moisture Balm was equivalent to white petrolatum in moisturizing and improving the physiologic functions of the skin, but had superior usability.