Burt’s Bees showcases clinical benefits of nature-based NPD for skin health

29 Mar 2022 --- Skincare brand Burt’s Bees recently unveiled that nature-based cleansers are more beneficial for skin health than other skin cleansers. The brand presents data on the efficacy and tolerance of natural-origin regimens for acne-prone, sensitive, aging and melanin-rich skin.

“Patients of all skin types and tones are increasingly expressing concerns around skin pigmentary abnormalities like uneven skin tones and age spots, so our evidence supporting nature-based skin brightening treatments offers an important alternative to more traditional methods,” adds Stanley Levy, study investigator and dermatologist in North Carolina, US.

“Our research demonstrates the ability of natural origin ingredients and formulations to be well-tolerated, effective skincare solutions that both dermatologists and patients can use,” says Hemali Gunt, head of clinical and scientific affairs at Burt’s Bees.

Skin barrier protection and sunscreen
The brand’s recent study findings showcase the ability of a natural topical treatment containing rice milk, honey and aloe to aid in restoring skin barrier function.

Additionally, Burt’s Bees’ research accessed the clinical tolerability of a nature-based acne cleanser with 1% naturally produced salicylic acid compared to leading acne cleansers.

A separate study highlighted that salicylic acid is a commonly used ingredient for facial acne.

Burt’s Bees’ research also highlighted the benefits of a nature-based, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with bakuchiol for daily photoprotection. Secondly, the efficacy of a nature-based complex containing Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, and Terminalia chebula was assessed for skin brightening.

“Our research showed a significant increase in surface reflectance in tissues treated with the nature-based ingredients and the test product, demonstrating the skin brightening potential of a nature-based complex, particularly for those with melanin-rich skin,” continues Levy.

Nature-based cleanser and acne
In a controlled washing test, the mildness of a nature-based acne cleanser was evaluated.

The comparative research utilized a washing method against two popular acne cleansers to determine the effects of a nature-based acne cleanser on the skin barrier.The brands’ study showed the effectiveness of a glycyrrhiza glabra, curcuma longa and terminalia chebula blend for skin brightening. 

Compared to a leading acne product containing 0.5% salicylic acid, the results showed that skin cleansing with a nature-based acne cleanser containing 1% naturally produced salicylic acid was gentle yet effective.

The product was well tolerated in subjects with moderate or mild facial acne, indicating that it could be used as a first-line regimen.

Restoring skin barrier and skin brightening
Burt’s Bees conducted two studies to evaluate the effectiveness of a nature-based topical product containing rice milk, honey and aloe in supporting skin barrier function.

The results showed a 20% drop in involucrin expression in test product-treated tissues compared to untreated controls. Participants reported a significant reduction in symptomatic responses, indicating improved quality of life and validating the product’s use in patients with barrier dysfunction.

Also investigated by the brand were the brightening effects of a nature-based complex combining essential botanicals glycyrrhiza glabra, curcuma longa and terminalia chebula.

On days five, nine, and fourteen, surface reflectance was significantly increased compared to the untreated control group. Compared to untreated control tissues, tissues treated with the positive control terminalia chebula, curcuma longa and nature-based complex containing botanicals showed a significant decrease in melanin content.

Research presented at the AAD meeting
The findings from Burt’s Bees research were presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) that took place recently.

“The data presented at AAD 2022 underscore our commitment to addressing the varied skincare needs of today’s consumers through nature-based regimens that provide an important alternative to traditional synthetic-based products,” adds Gunt.

Recently, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health unveiled skin health research presented at the AAD meeting, linking some skin concerns to environmental triggers and mental stress.

Edited by Nicole Kerr