Efficacy of anti-sebum moisturizing cream containing 2% l-carnitine and 5% epigallocatechin gallate in seborrhea: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Seborrhea leads to facial greasiness and unpleasant feeling. People with seborrhea also have trouble with selecting moisturizers. l -Carnitine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are reported anti-sebum properties. However, neither efficacy comparison nor the combination effect of the two topical anti-sebum agents was studied. Moisturizing cream with these agents is supposed to provide skin with an optimal water–oil balance.

Aims

To compare the efficacy of moisturizer containing 2% l -carnitine or 5% EGCG alone on sebum controlling, and the synergistic effect of these two agents.

Methods

Three study creams were formulated by adding three kinds of anti-sebum agents which were 2% l -carnitine, 5% EGCG, and 2% l -carnitine plus 5% EGCG in moisturizing cream base of dimethicone and glycerin. A randomized clinical trial was conducted. Ninety subjects, divided into three groups, applied the cream for 4 weeks. Sebum level, skin capacitance, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were evaluated at Weeks 0, 1, 2, and 4. Life qualities and subjective outcomes were assessed before and after treatment.

Results

The mean sebum reduction from baseline was statistically significant in all treatment groups (p < 0.01). The median time to oil control was longer in l -carnitine group. The combine group had significantly greater anti-sebum efficacy than l -carnitine group (p = 0.009). All three groups had significant improvement of other objective parameters and subjective outcomes.

Conclusions

The anti-sebum moisturizing cream exhibited beneficial effect on the sebum reduction with improve skin hydration in people with seborrhea and made users satisfied. The EGCG group and the combine group show the greater anti-sebum effect than the l -carnitine group.