Sea anemone inspired peptide comforts sensitive skin

An in vitroassay showed that the peptide reduced the activation of the TRPV1 pain receptor. To ensure improved skin uptake, the peptide was incorporated into a soft sphere carrier system based on shea butter. In clinical studies, the soothing active reduced the electrical current perception threshold of the skin, which is an indicator for skin reactivity and decreased skin sensitivity by reducing the response to skin irritation.

Approximately half of the population considers their skin to be sensitive skin.1 There are three main types of sensitive skin that are caused by I) reduced barrier function, II) inflammation with an intact barrier function and III) - the most common type in otherwise healthy individuals – skin that overreacts to environmental factors with irritation without barrier impairment and inflammation.2 The reaction of type III sensitive skin can range from a feeling of slight discomfort to frequent visible signs of skin irritation, such as redness. This type of sensitive skin is characterised by an enhanced reactivity to common stimuli3 – for example, wind, heat, clothes, sunlight and pollution. The result is skin that feels tight, itchy or even has a burning sensation. The main reason for this reaction is a sensory response that is too strong. 

The molecular cause of sensitive skin