Efficacy and Safety of Oral Administration of Wine Lees Extract (WLE)-Derived Ceramides and Glucosylceramides in Enhancing Skin Barrier Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: Our search for plant-derived ceramides from sustainable sources led to the discovery of ceramides and glucosylceramides in wine lees. Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of wine lees extract (WLE)-derived ceramides and glucosylceramides in enhancing skin barrier function. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 30 healthy Japanese subjects aged 20–64. Subjects were allocated to receive either the WLE-derived ceramides and glucosylceramides (test group) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and secondary outcomes included skin hydration, visual analog scale (VAS) of itching sensation, and the Japanese Skindex-29. Results: One participant withdrew for personal reasons, resulting in 29 subjects for data analysis (placebo n = 15; test n = 14). The test group showed a tendency of lower TEWL compared to the placebo after 8 weeks (p = 0.07). Furthermore, after 12 weeks of administration, the test group had significantly lower TEWL than the placebo (p = 0.04). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the secondary outcome parameters. No adverse events related to the supplements were reported. Conclusions: Oral supplementation of WLE-derived ceramides and glucosylceramides is a prominent and safe approach to enhancing skin barrier function and health. Trial registration: (UMIN000050422).