Burt’s Bees® presents clinical evidence demonstrating ability of nature-based products to support barrier function and microbiome health in sensitive skin and lips

DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 27, 2023 – Burt’s Bees, the #1 dermatologist recommended natural skin care brand* and a pioneer in skin care solutions, announced its latest research findings on the benefits of nature-based regimens to cleanse, nourish, and protect skin health. The studies will be presented at the hybrid Integrative Dermatology Symposium (IDS) from Oct. 27-29, 2023.

The latest research findings from Burt’s Bees highlight:

• The ability of a topical treatment with a unique blend of botanicals to improve appearance of age spots in diverse skin.
• The impact of a lip care product with naturally derived plant oils, butters, beeswax, and turmeric extract to maintain a healthy lip microbiome.
• The effectiveness of a nature-based skin care regimen to maintain a balanced skin barrier and microbiome in sensitive skin populations.

“Each person has a unique microbiome, and we want to support that one-of-a-kind balance to best promote each patient’s skin health. This means first, do no harm. In other words, do not cause dysbiosis or disrupt the microbiome,” said Hemali Gunt, Ph.D., head of clinical and scientific affairs at Burt’s Bees. “These nature-based formulas have been shown to do exactly that — maintain the unique microbiome in both face and lip skin — and improve the skin’s appearance.” 

New Burt’s Bees data being presented at IDS 2023 include:

• Topical treatment with a unique blend of botanicals containing Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, and Terminalia chebula improves the appearance of age spots in a multi-ethnic panel; Gunt H., Levy S. and Draelos D.; Oct. 28, 2023, poster presentation from 2:45-3:15 p.m. PDT.
  • About the Research: The study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a nature-based topical cream in reducing the appearance of age spots across different skin types and tones.
    • A 12-week study was conducted in 40 female participants with moderate age spots and photodamage.
    • A dermatologist-investigator assessed the product efficacy by clinical grading and with skin colorimeter measurements obtained from a target pigmented spot and from a corresponding clear site on the face, all performed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12.
    • Topical treatment with Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, and Terminalia chebula was determined to be clinically safe and effective in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation in photodamaged skin within a variety of skin types and tones.
• Impact of a lip care product with naturally derived plant oils, butters, beeswax, and turmeric extract on the lip microbiome – in vitro and in vivo examinations; Gunt H. and Levy S.; Oct. 28, 2023, poster presentation from 2:45-3:15 p.m. PDT.  
  • About the Research: An in vitro assay and a clinical study were conducted to evaluate the effects of a lip treatment on the lip microbiome.
    • In vitro results showed no significant differences in the diversity of bacteria in the presence of the product when compared to the control.
    • Clinical grading and subject assessments in 43 females for 2 weeks showed a reduction in the appearance of lip dryness and enhanced the overall look of lip health compared to baseline. In addition, lip microbiome assessments showed no significant changes in the lip microbial diversity.
    • Daily use of a nature-based lip care product maintains lip health and assists in maintaining microbial diversity.
• Maintaining a balanced skin barrier and microbiome in sensitive skin using a nature-based skin care regimen; Gunt H., Levy S. and Draelos Z.; Oct. 27, 2023, poster presentation from 3:00-3:30 p.m. PDT.
  • About the Research: A nature-based, bakuchiol-containing skin care regimen was evaluated to assess the effects on skin moisture barrier and the microbiome in sensitive skin populations.
    • The 4-week baseline-controlled clinical study was conducted in 45 female participants with sensitive skin who used a daily skin care regimen of cleanser, serum/toner, and cream.
    • Skin hydration and barrier function/transepidermal water loss were measured to assess tolerability and efficacy of the skin care regimen along with assessment of the skin microbiome via 16S rRNA analysis.
    • Results indicated that the nature-based skin care regimen containing bakuchiol improves skin barrier function without disrupting the skin microbiome in a sensitive skin population.

“Protecting the skin microbiome is essential as it augments the physical barrier between the skin and the external environment,” said Stanley Levy, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and study consultant. “Our study demonstrated the ability of a nature-based skin care regimen to improve skin barrier function without disrupting the skin microbiome, which is particularly important for those with sensitive skin.”

In addition to the three poster presentations, Hemali Gunt, Ph.D., will discuss the full mechanisms and forms of Burt’s Bees cleansers at the breakfast Product Theater session on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 8:00 a.m. PDT. Gunt will also be featured on LearnSkin’s podcast with Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov and Dr. Raja Sivamani, where they will discuss the latest in lip health and lip microbiome research from Burt’s Bees. The podcast will air on Nov. 9, 2023.

About Burt’s Bees | Burt’s Bees® is the #1 dermatologist recommended natural skin care brand, born in the woods of Maine, and known for its original Beeswax Lip Balm. Burt’s Bees products are consciously made with ingredients from nature to nourish skin from head to toe. From responsible sourcing to mindful packaging and landfill-free operations, Burt’s Bees is made with care by nature, for nature, for all—since 1984. NYSE: CLX-B.

*Based on a September 2021 NielsenIQ national survey of U.S. Dermatologists