856 Topical application of newly developed pseudoceramide improved both skin and hair barrier functions

Beneficial effects of ceramides or pseudoceramide on skin barrier functions have been repeatedly reported. Most of the studies, however, have focused on the (bio)physical properties of ceramides, such as structural arrangement of stratum corneum (SC) intercellular lipids. Recent studies about the important roles of liposensors in skin homeostasis further implies the possibility of developing a “biological pseudoceramide”. Our previous studies suggested that introduction of unsaturated acyl group can change the inert pseudoceramide into active one, in terms of biological activity. In this study, the biological activities of newly developed pseudoceramide with unsaturated fatty acids, bis-oleamido isopropyl alcohol (BOIP), were investigated. As results, acceleration of epidermal permeability barrier function recovery in acutely disruption model was observed. Increased expression of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) was also observed. Interestingly, biomechanical analysis showed that application of Ceramide HS on damaged hair improved the mechanical strength and surface friction. Taken together, these results suggest that the newly developed pseudoceramide, BOIP, have beneficial effects on both skin and hair, which propose a potential use for scalp care products.