Skin Barrier-enhancing Effects of CeraDeepTM Keratinocyte Differentiation Promotion and Lipid Metabolism Regulation

Purpose: To evaluate the skin barrier-enhancing, moisturizing, and antioxidant effects of CeraDeep™, which contains ceramide NP, ceramide AP, ceramide EOS, <i>Oryza sativa</i> (rice) bran oil, and hydrolyzed yeast protein, in human keratinocytes and to investigate its potential as a functional cosmetic ingredient. Methods: To examine the changes in keratinocyte differentiation-, lipid metabolism-, and moisturizing-related factors following CeraDeep™ treatment, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were performed. Lipid accumulation was determined through Oil Red O staining, and hyaluronic acid secretion was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, antioxidant activity was assessed using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Results: CeraDeep™ exhibited excellent skin barrier-related biological activity. Treatment with CeraDeep™ increased the expression of keratinocyte differentiation- and lipid metabolism-related factors and enhanced lipid accumulation. Additionally, the expression of moisturizing-related factors and secretion of hyaluronic acid were increased, indicating its potential to enhance moisturizing-related functions. CeraDeep™ also reduced H₂O₂-induced ROS generation and increased ABTS radical scavenging activity, demonstrating its potential to alleviate oxidative stress. Conclusion: This study confirmed that CeraDeep™ may exert complex effects on skin barrier formation, moisturization, and antioxidant activity, suggesting its potential as a functional cosmetic ingredient for enhancing skin barrier function.