The involvement of protein denaturing activity in the effect of surfactants on skin barrier function

Abstract

Background/purpose Detailed information on the mechanism by which surfactants affect the skin barrier function is still scarce. We investigated the contribution of protein denaturation to the effect of surfactants on barrier function. Methods The Transmission Index method, which evaluates the actual effect of surfactants on barrier function, was combined with a microplate assay measuring protein denaturation activity. The correlation between the TI value and the reciprocal of the median effect concentration (1/EC50) was analyzed for 19 surfactants. The contribution of protein denaturation to the effect of surfactants was discussed based on the 1/EC50 per TI value. Results A few surfactants showed high TI value. Nonionic surfactants had no effect. The EC50 varied without certain trend. For amino acid‐based surfactants, there was a gradual inverse correlation between the TI value and the 1/EC50. Conclusion The difference in the alkyl structure and the ion source affected the skin barrier function. Protein denaturing activity of the surfactant was not a critical factor. This suggests that the effect on intercellular lipids was the major factor. However, the magnitude of the contribution of protein denaturation activity varied depending on the surfactant, suggesting that each surfactant has a different mechanism of influence on skin barrier function.

Effects of ultra‐pure soft water on the hands of nurses in a neonatal intensive care unit: A randomized crossover study

“…Kubota et al 27,28 reported that TEA cocoyl glutamate decreased the skin barrier function and may also increase skin permeability. Glutamate surfactant‐induced skin hyperpermeability may be associated with metal ion influx into the stratum corneum, resulting in irritant dermatitis 27,28 . DLGL is a new, gemini‐type surfactant‐containing sodium lauryl glutamate, an anionic surfactant.…”

“…Glutamate surfactant-induced skin hyperpermeability may be associated with metal ion influx into the stratum corneum, resulting in irritant dermatitis. 27,28 DLGL is a new, gemini-type surfactant-containing sodium lauryl glutamate, an anionic surfactant.…”

“…TEA cocoyl glutamate is an anionic surfactant. Kubota et al 27,28 reported that TEA cocoyl glutamate decreased the skin barrier function and may also increase skin permeability. Glutamate surfactant‐induced skin hyperpermeability may be associated with metal ion influx into the stratum corneum, resulting in irritant dermatitis 27,28 .…”