Burt’s Bees releases data showing natural skin care is better than synthetic

“It is exciting to see these data validate the nature-based approach for achieving skin benefits that many patients with sensitive skin seek,”​ says Zoe Draelos, MD at Dermatology Consulting Services in High Point, North Carolina, and the principal investigator of that study.

The Burt’s Bees study data, actually comes from two trials: one involving 120 subjects with “clinically diagnosed sensitive skin resulting from rosacea, atopic dermatitis/eczema, or cosmetic intolerance,”​ and another one involving 51 individuals with self-assessed sensitive skin.

Data from the larger clinical trial is, as Draelos suggest, the most compelling.

Good news​

“We're pleased to see the data support the efficacy of Burt's Bees nature-based regimen, and even exceed the synthetic control regimen in overall skin appearance and epidermal barrier function,”​ Matt Gregory, general manager of the Burt's Bees brand, tells the press.

And he believes that the new data will resonate in the marketplace. “People are increasingly curious about the ingredients they put on their skin, and interested in nature-based solutions to meet their skin care needs. With these clinical results, and the recent award of the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, we're pleased to offer patients with sensitive skin an effective nature-based regimen.”​

Clinical data​

The Burt’s Bees skin care products used in the clinical studies are Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser, Sensitive Eye Cream, Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream, and Sensitive Night Cream, according to the brand’s media release.

The products comprising the dermatologist-recommended regimen were not disclosed in the release.  

The clinical trial, involving 120 people with sensitive skin “demonstrated that Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen clinically and statistically improved investigator-rated overall skin appearance by 34% with similar improvements in visual and tactile smoothness, clarity and radiance.”​

Skin appearance for subjects with atopic dermatitis or eczema improved 38%, for those with rosacea 34%, and for those with cosmetic intolerance 31%.

Subjects skin appearance improved at most 11% with the products formulated with synthetics.

“Importantly, tolerability parameters did not worsen and most improved with the Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen,” ​emphasizes the release.

Skin hydration ​

The “dermatologist-recommended synthetic control regimen” ​did provide greater hydration (as measured by corneometry), while the Burt’s Bees regimen was found to simply maintain skin hydration and not cause dryness.

The smaller study and commentary from another dermatologist, indicates that sufficient hydration may be just as beneficial (if not more so) than extreme hydration.

“In a second study of 51 subjects with self-perceived sensitive skin, Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen was well tolerated and maintained skin hydration,” ​notes the media release.

“We are learning about the importance of homoeostasis in epidermal barrier function and hydration that can be afforded by nature-based formulations,” ​says Stanley Levy, MD, Chapel Hill Dermatology, in the Burt’s Bees release. “This regimen optimizes skin health and avoids over-hydration associated with occlusive synthetic moisturizing products which compromise overall skin appearance.”​

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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.