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Water makes up more than 60% of the content of human skin.  Under normal conditions, the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of our skin’s epidermis) acquires most of its moisture from the fluids that bathe the underlying layers of the skin.  Sweat glands also contribute a small amount of moisture.  The stratum corneum works hard trying to maintain its water content; however, it, ultimately, loses moisture through evaporation, which is strongly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and air flow.

When it comes to moisturizing the stratum corneum, hydrating (i.e. adding water) is more important than adding oil.  Don’t believe us?  Try this simple experiment:  Take two cuttings of skin from a callus from the heel or ball of your foot; place them both on a dish and allow them both to desiccate (dry out) over a few days, remaining exposed to the air.  Next, soak one of the skin samples in olive oil, and soak the other in water. Even after just a few hours, the difference should be obvious with the water-soaked skin sample becoming increasingly softer and more pliable.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

The main ingredient of Eczema2 is purified water.  There is no better compound for gently cleaning your skin at the same time as hydrating it.

Honey has been used as a medicine throughout history, including as a wound dressing and naturally-occurring antimicrobial. It is derived from the nectar of flowers and produced by bees. Chemically, it is a complex mix of sugars (e.g., fructose, glucose, maltose, sucrose), amino acids, phenolics, and other compounds. True Manuka honey comes from certain Leptospermum species, a group of shrubs and small trees in the myrtle family that are native to New Zealand.

Manuka honey’s high sugar and low pH are thought to contribute to its antimicrobial properties. In 2008, the primary cause of Manuka honey’s ability to inhibit microbial growth was elucidated, in 2008, with the identification of methyl glyoxal (MGO) as the dominant antibacterial constituent. MGO is the resulting product of the dehydration of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a naturally occurring phtochemical found in the nectar of certain Leptospermum species.  High levels of MGO usually produce the most biologically active honey.  Levels of leptosin, a glycoside found in Leptospermum honey, and phenolics, which act as antioxidants, also correlate with Manuka honey’s biological activity.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

It has been reported in peer-reviewed scientific literature that Manuka honey can prevent and even disrupt established biofilms, including those from pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli.  When it comes to Manuka honey’s purported ability to directly inhibit bacterial growth of both methicillin resistant and methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, efficacy seems to depend on the specific type of honey and the concentration at which it is administered.  Specifically, Manuka honey at concentrations of 20% showed the best results – demonstrating both bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity. Our UMF rating of “20+” means that our Manuka honey has been tested and independently certified by the UMF Honey Association. The test measures the three signature compounds found in genuine, monofloral Manuka honey: Leptosperin, DHA, and MGO. We chose a UMF rating of “20+” for our Eczema2 formulation to coincide with the most scientifically rigorous studies of Manuka honey antimicrobial activity.

Otherwise known as cortisol, hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid, a naturally-occurring steroid hormone that is normally secreted in the adrenal cortex of our adrenal glands. It has been used since 1952 as a medication. When applied as a topical medication, it functions to decrease the skin’s immune system locally, helping to treat atopic dermatitis/eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

While there is a great deal of “steroid phobia” around the use of topical steroids to treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis/eczema, these medications remain one of the only ways to gain quick control over a flare. We utilize hydrocortisone 1%, which is an over-the-counter potency, to help alleviate itching and scratching, which can lead to dangerous skin infections. Used according to the instructions, this key ingredient is safe and FDA-approved. It is also a scientifically-proven medication that can help regulate the skin’s local immune system during flares and restore the skin barrier.

Also referred to as glycerol or glycerine, glycerin is a naturally occurring organic compound and component of many lipids, including glycerides. It is sweet-tasting and is odorless and colorless. With its three hydroxyl groups, glycerin is highly hygroscopic, meaning it has a special ability to attract and hold water molecules. It is also purported to be mildly antimicrobial. Consequently, glycerin serves as an ideal, non-toxic humectant, and is even approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a food additive.

Glycerin may be of animal or vegetable (usually soybeans) origin. Importantly, we only use vegetable-based glycerin in our products.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Because of its unique chemical properties, Eczema2 utilizes glycerine to help gently prime and cleanse the skin, while pulling water into the stratum corneum to help keep it moisturized.

Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid, a weak organic acid found, naturally, in citrus fruits. It is mostly used as a buffering agent to help establish and maintain the pH of a formulation. Additionally, sodium citrate functions as a preservative.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

The skin’s normal pH is slightly acidic, and this characteristic is referred to as the skin’s “acid mantle.” The acid mantle is normally maintained by a film of amino acids and lactic acids and oils that help protect skin from the harsh environmental factors from which it is being constantly bombarded (e.g., pollutants, bacteria, allergens, sun light, etc.). We use sodium citrate to help maintain the correct pH of our Eczema2 formulation, which is designed to be applied directly to sensitive skin in which the barrier (and, consequently, the acid mantle) has been disrupted. This helps to restore the skin to its normal pH. We also use sodium citrate to help prevent degradation and contamination of our Eczema2 formulation over time.

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found, naturally, in citrus fruits. While citric acid can be extracted from citrus fruits, most of the world’s citric acid comes as a byproduct of microbial fermentation of sugars such as molasses by specific strains of fungi. Utilized widely as an acidifier, it consists chemically of a carboxylic acid substituted with a hydroxyl group on the adjacent carbon. This allows it to function as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), which are well known for their potential to support collagen production. Because it is one of the stronger edible acids, it is also used as a flavoring agent and food preservative.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

The skin’s normal pH is slightly acidic, and this characteristic is referred to as the skin’s “acid mantle.” The acid mantle is normally maintained by a film of amino acids and lactic acids and oils that help protect skin from the harsh environmental factors from which it is being constantly bombarded (e.g., pollutants, bacteria, allergens, sun light, etc.). We use citric acid to help maintain the correct pH of our Eczema2 formulation, which is designed to be applied directly to sensitive skin in which the barrier (and, consequently, the acid mantle) has been disrupted. This helps to restore the skin to its normal pH. We also use citric acid to help prevent degradation and contamination of our Eczema2 formulation over time and for its potential to increase collagen and fibroblast proliferation.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycoaminoglycan (sugar molecule) with a unique capacity to bind and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It is most abundant in human skin and functions critically as a primary means of maintaining proper skin moisture.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Our Eczema2 formulation is designed to be applied to flaring, sensitive skin. Consequently, we take advantage of hyaluronic acid’s ability to attract and retain water to function as an ultra-potent humectant – plumping, rehydrating, and restoring dried skin to its more supple, natural state.

Sorbitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, obtained by the reduction of glucose, which changes the aldehyde group to a hydroxyl group. It was first identified in the berries of the mountain ash tree, Sorbus aucuparia, in 1872, and has since been identified in foods such as apples, peaches, pears, and prunes. It is mainly used as a thickener to improve the texture of formulations and as a moisturizer. It is also considered a “prebiotic,” feeding the naturally occurring bacteria on the skin – our protective microbiome - so that harmful bacteria, capable of causing infection, cannot so easily gain a foothold.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Eczema2 utilizes sorbitol as a potent humectant, helping to attract and retain water in the skin, and as a prebiotic, helping to restore the natural skin microbiome. Sorbitol also helps thicken our formulation so that the our flare spray can be applied more directly to the areas that need it the most.

Also known as 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolite 6 is a colorless liquid that dissolves readily in water. It is stable and effective over a wide pH and temperature range, and it does not affect the stability of emulsions like longer chain alkanediols. Consequently, it is utilized primarily as a moisturizer and as an antimicrobial.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Hydrolite 6 is a versatile, safe, and effective moisturizer and preservative that helps eliminate any need for parabens, isothiazolinones, and phenoxyethanol.

Avena Sativa, also known as oat, is a species of grain plant grown for its seed. The active components in oat kernel oil include avenanthramides, a group of active polyphenol antioxidants known to be anti-inflammatory in nature, and beta glucans, known for their collagen stimulating potential. Avena sativa oil also has a high concentration of linoleic acid, a key protector of skin barrier function. It is rich in antioxidants, such as tocopherols and tocotrienols, which protect the skin’s lipid barrier.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Eczema2 combines a proprietary blend of water, glycerin, and Avena Sativa kernel extract to act as an anti-histaminic and anti-inflammatory.

Sold under the name AD-Resyl® this patented active molecule is rich in fructosans from the Ophiopogon japonicus plant. The parent company that sells this specific derivation, SILAB Softcare, has demonstrated its potential to limit adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and prolong periods of remission of atopic dermatitis patients after corticosteroid therapy. Developed through in vitro and in vivo models, SILAB Softcare reports that AD-Resyl® restores homeostasis in atopic skin by targeting its four main anomalies: (1) Skin barrier restored; (2) inflammation reduced; (3) neuronal hyperreactivity reduced; and (4) microbiota equilibrated.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

We utilize AD-Resyl® as an innovative constituent of our anti-inflammatory Eczema2 formulation.

Sodium lauroyl lactylate forms as a consequence of a reaction between lauric acid and lactic acid. Lauric acid is derived from plants and has a 12-carbon atom chain, making it a “medium-chain” saturated fatty acid. Fatty acids form the building block of fats and oils. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that can be obtained from milk. Sodium lauroyl lactylate is the sodium salt that forms when these two compounds react. It is a natural surfactant, with the ability to lower the surface tension between two substances. That characteristic, coupled with its ability to produce a soft, light foam, allows it to wash oil and dirt away easily and gently. It also functions as an emulsifier, keeping “oil” and “water” components from separating.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Sodium lauroyl lactylate helps improve the texture and feel of the overall Eczema2 formulation. Additionally, its sodium backbone allows it to penetrate the stratum corneum and form a protective barrier that minimizes transepidermal water loss.

Also known as ceramide 3 and N-stearoyl phytosphingosine, ceramide NP is a member of a group of molecules called ceramides, which are a major lipid component in the stratum corneum of human skin. It consists of a phytosphingosine base and stearic acid, which is a saturated fatty acid.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Research has demonstrated that patients with eczema tend to have a deficiency of ceramides in their skin. Our Eczema2 formulation strategically combines Ceramide NP with Ceramide EOP to work synergistically to improve overall skin barrier function.

Also known as ceramide 6 and alpha-hydroxy-N-stearoylphtosphingosine, ceramide AP is a member of a group of molecules called ceramides, which are a major lipid component in the stratum corneum of human skin.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Research has demonstrated that patients with eczema tend to have a deficiency of ceramides in their skin. Our Eczema2 formulation adds this missing ceramide back so that barrier function can be better restored.

Phytosphingosine is a lipid occurring naturally in the stratum corneum, both in its free form as well as part of the major fraction of ceramides. Chemically, it is classified as a sphingoid base, a fundamental building block of more complex sphingolipids.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

We utilize phytosphingosine in Eczema2 for its ability to help prevent disruption of the skin barrier. We also take advantage of the fact that phytosphingosine provides a skin moisturizing effect, helping to modulate filaggrin metabolic pathways that, in total, help maintain skin barrier function.

Cholesterol is a sterol, which is a type of lipid molecule essential for maintaining cell membrane structural integrity and fluidity. It is utilized mainly for its ability to repair the skin’s natural barrier function.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

We rely on cholesterol in our Eczema2 formulation mainly to help restore barrier function and as an emulsifier, helping to keep “oil” and “water” components from separating.

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide derived from the bacteria, Xanthomonas campestris. It is used to bind and thicken formulations and forms a gel when added to water. It also functions as an emulsifier.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Xanthan gum helps improve the texture and feel of our Eczema2 formulation. We also utilize it as an emulsifier, helping to keep “oil” and “water” components from separating.

Also known as ceramide 1, ceramide EOP is a member of a group of molecules called ceramides, which are a major lipid component in the stratum corneum of human skin. “EOP” refers to the specific structure of this ceramide: “E” indicates that there is an ester linked fatty acid; “O” indicates that omega hydroxy fatty acid is the amide-linked fatty acid; and “P” refers to the phytosphingosine base.

Why is it in our science-based pediatric formulation?

Research has demonstrated that patients with eczema tend to have a deficiency of ceramides in their skin. Our Eczema2 formulation strategically combines Ceramide EOP with Ceramide NP to work synergistically to improve overall skin barrier function.