Elucidation of New Functions of Ozonized Glycerin: New Insights into Skin Inflammation and Repair Published in a Paper

Mediplas Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Daisuke Ikejiri), a pioneer in dry skin prevention, which launched a new line focusing on skin discomfort = noise in January 2026, announces that new actions related to the skin's barrier function have been confirmed in research on its proprietary ingredient "ozonized glycerin," owned by its group company Mediplas Pharmaceutical. This research suggests that ozonized glycerin may have multifaceted actions involved in skin structure maintenance, inflammation suppression, and repair promotion, beyond its conventional moisturizing functions. [Research Background] The skin plays a crucial barrier function protecting the body from external stimuli, and maintaining its healthy state requires the stability of the entire skin structure, including not only the stratum corneum but also intercellular adhesion structures (tight junctions). However, due to inflammation and external stimuli, these structures are easily damaged, leading to a decline in barrier function, dryness, and skin problems. In recent years, against this background, there has been a demand for ingredient development that approaches the "skin structure itself," going beyond mere moisturizing. Previous research on ozonized glycerin has reported on its effects on inflammatory reactions, antibacterial activity, and antiviral activity. This time, its functions in skin repair and inflammation suppression were evaluated. This content is an international collaborative research between Professor Giuseppe Valacchi of North Carolina State University in the United States, who has served as a science advisor to global major companies, and Mediplas Pharmaceutical. After a year and a half of preparation and verification, it was published in the international academic journal "Cosmetics" in February 2026. [Research Content] In this study, the effects of ozonized glycerin on the skin were evaluated from multiple angles using a 3D skin model and human skin tissue. As a result, ozonized glycerin was confirmed to exhibit the following actions: [Main Research Results] Wound Closure Effect Artificial damage was applied to a human skin model, and ozonized glycerin and a control (glycerin) were added. The wound closure rate was compared after a certain period (13 days). The ozonized glycerin-treated group showed an improved wound closure rate (approximately 6.8% improvement) compared to the control group. Contribution to epidermal regeneration and repair processes was suggested. Refer to https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/13/1/42 Figure.1-a Models treated with OG (ozonized glycerin) showed significantly promoted wound closure throughout the period compared to the G (glycerin) group and the control group. Evaluation of Inflammation-Related Factor Suppression Under inflammation-inducing conditions (LPS stimulation), the expression level of inflammatory cytokines was measured after adding ozonized glycerin. ・Suppression of IL-1α expression. Potential contribution to maintaining skin condition under inflammatory environments was suggested. Refer to https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/13/1/42 Figure.1-f Compared to the control group and G (glycerin)-treated models, the release of IL-1α was significantly reduced. Evaluation of Tight Junction-Related Protein Production Using a human epidermal cell model, the expression level of tight junction-related proteins was measured after ozonized glycerin treatment. Specifically, claudin-1 was focused on, and immunostaining and expression analysis were performed. In the ozonized glycerin-treated group, the expression levels of tight junction-related proteins, including claudin-1, significantly increased. Potential for strengthening intercellular adhesion structures of the skin was suggested. Refer to https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/13/1/42 Figure.2-a,b Claudin-1 significantly increased on day 4 in OG (ozonized glycerin)-treated medium compared to the untreated group, but no significant difference was observed in glycerin-treated medium. Evaluation of Skin Structure (ECM) Protection The effect on elastin, involved in dermal structure, was evaluated under inflammatory conditions. Suppression of elastin degradation (maximum approximately 67.7% improvement) Potential contribution to maintaining skin elasticity and structure was suggested. Refer to https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/13/1/42 Figure.3-c,d Elastin degradation was significantly suppressed in OG (ozonized glycerin)-treated samples. [Source] Cosmetics: Therapeutic Potential of Ozonized Glycerin in Skin Inflammation and Repair https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9 Keywords: