Petrolatum is frequently employed to subdue water evaporation from the skin surface. However, its stickiness, shininess and other factors make it unsuitable for continuous use.

The present study compared the effectiveness and usability between a newly developed petrolatum-based ointment (NOV® II Moisture Balm) and white petrolatum.

It enrolled 29 subjects with atopic dermatitis or xeroderma with symptoms of dry skin and directed them to apply NOV® II Moisture Balm on the right sides of the face and white petrolatum on the left side, respectively, for 8 to 12 weeks. The study scored the skin conditions (erythema, exudate/crusting, dryness and itch), measured stratum corneum water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and analyzed the free amino acid and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels in the stratum corneum before and end of the trial.

The study observed:

• A significant decrease in dryness, exudate/crusting and TEWL on the white petrolatum and the NOV® II Moisture Balm sides, while a considerable increase in stratum corneum water content and the free amino acid levels.
• A significant decrease in erythema and the TSLP levels on the NOV® II Moisture Balm side.
• Good acceptability of NOV® II Moisture Balm by the subjects as they felt that it spread better and was less sticky and shiny than white petrolatum; thus, more subjects wanted to continue using NOV® II Moisture Balm.

This study shows a similarity between NOV® II Moisture Balm and white petrolatum in moisturizing and improving the physiologic functions of the skin; however, NOV® II Moisture Balm describes superior usability.

Source: Murakami Y, Saya Y, Morita E, et al. Novel petrolatum-based ointment that is highly moisturizing and has superior usability with increased adherence in patients with facial dry skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(10):2650-5.