An interventional study of Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 and Placebo in Skin Barrier Disruption and Recovery, sponsored by University of Split, School of Medicine. Recruiting at 1 site in Croatia. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-17.
Sponsored by University of Split, School of Medicine · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a topical peptide-based formulation containing Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 in promoting skin barrier recovery after controlled disruption in healthy adult participants.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Researchers will compare the peptide cream to a placebo to assess its effects on skin barrier recovery
Participants will:
Exclusion Criteria:
One forearm will be treated with the peptide-based cream containing Acetyl Hexapeptide-37. The treated forearm (left or right) will be assigned according to the randomization protocol.
Other: Acetyl Hexapeptide-37
The other forearm will be treated with a placebo ointment. The allocation of the treatment (left or right forearm) will be determined according to the randomization protocol.
Other: Placebo
A designated skin site on either forearm will undergo tape-stripping to induce skin barrier disruption but will not receive any topical treatment. This site will serve as a control for natural skin barrier recovery.
The emollient cream contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 as the active ingredient and is applied topically to designated skin areas on the forearm. Skin barrier disruption is induced prior to application using the tape-stripping method. Procedure will be performed on healthy, intact skin according to randomization protocol
The emollient cream without the peptide is applied topically to designated skin areas on the forearm. Skin barrier disruption is induced prior to application using the tape-stripping method. Procedure will be performed on healthy, intact skin according to randomization protocol
Change in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
Skin barrier function will be assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss using a Tewameter TM 300 probe. Values will be expressed in g/m²/h
Time frame: Assessments will be performed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 9th day of the trial (baseline measurements and change from baseline assessment).
Change in Skin Hydration
Hydration of the stratum corneum will be assessed using a Corneometer CM 825 probe.
Time frame: Assessments will be performed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 9th day of the trial (baseline measurements and change from baseline assessment).
Change in Skin Erythema
Skin erythema will be assessed using a Mexameter MX 18 probe.
Time frame: Assessments will be performed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 9th day of the trial (baseline measurements and change from baseline assessment).
Plan to share: No
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University of Split, School of Medicine