A new in vitro study suggests a moisturizer containing colloidal oatmeal, patented filaggrin technology, niacinamide, and tocopheryl acetate selectively inhibits the growth and adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) while promoting Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) on reconstructed human epidermis (RHE).
"The pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial, with genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and dysbiosis of the skin microbiome all associated with disease activity," the study authors wrote. "Colonization byStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)is specifically associated with AD, and modifying the skin microbiota through topical skincare products may play a role in AD management"
The study evaluated the moisturizer’s effects on the growth, biofilm formation, and bacterial adhesion of S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Bacteria strains were cultured and exposed to various concentrations of the moisturizer. Compared with control, the moisturizer reduced the growth and adhesion of S. aureus without significantly inducing or inhibiting biofilm formation. The authors reported that the moisturizer improved the bacterial growth ratio by decreasing the presence of pathogenic S. aureus while increasing commensal S. epidermidis.
"A moisturizer containing ingredients beneficial to AD significantly impacted the growth and adhesion of pathogenic S. aureus to the benefit of commensal S. epidermidis," the authors concluded.
The authors said the results do require further research and validation.
"This study was limited by its vitro design, as these results may not accurately reflect the dynamic and diverse microbiome of normal and atopic skin in humans," they wrote. "Future clinical studies using this moisturizer, particularly in AD, are warranted."
Source: Whiting C, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2025. Doi:10.36849/JDD.8706