ATOPIC dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition marked by episodes of inflamed, dry, and itchy skin, affecting more than 200 million people globally. Conventional treatments often rely on emollients to provide moisture and relieve symptoms, but “emollients plus” – formulations enriched with active cosmetic ingredients such as herbal extracts and phytochemicals – may offer enhanced benefits without the side effects linked to pharmacological therapies.
A recent 12-week clinical trial (NCT05790083) investigated the efficacy and tolerability of two oil-in-water emulsions, BNO 3731 and BNO 3732, as part of basic therapy for atopic dermatitis. These formulations contain ginger extract and cannabidiol, both known for their anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. The study involved 100 adults and children with a history of atopic dermatitis. Participants applied BNO 3732, a body lotion, twice daily, and used BNO 3731, an intensive care product, as needed.
Throughout the 12-week period, the combination of emollients plus resulted in consistent improvement in peak pruritus and patient-reported outcomes, including the “Recap of Atopic Eczema” assessment. Dermatological evaluations revealed progressive improvements in key indicators such as the validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD™), as well as visible symptoms like erythema and skin dryness. Further instrumental analysis showed a recovery in epidermal barrier function, demonstrated by enhanced intercellular lipid levels and improved lipid lamellae structure in the stratum corneum.
These findings support the effectiveness of herbal-based emollients plus in managing atopic dermatitis, extending beyond simple hydration to actively aiding in barrier repair and symptom relief. Importantly, both BNO 3731 and BNO 3732 were found to be very well tolerated across all participants. This study highlights the potential of integrating botanical active ingredients into standard skincare regimens for chronic skin conditions, offering a promising alternative for long-term management.
Reference
Herrmann L et al. Long-term progressive improvement of atopic dermatitis by an herbal emollient plus combination in a 12-week clinical trial. Acta Derm Venereol. 2025;105:adv43026.
