Novel OS-01 Peptide Body Lotion Reduces Inflammation and Strengthens Skin Barrier

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A clinical study from the team of investigators at OneSkin demonstrated the efficacy of its OS-01 peptide 14 topical body lotion.¹ About 70% of patients saw an improvement in skin barrier function, systemic inflammation, and general appearance after 12 weeks.

The randomized, double-blinded, prospective trial included 52 female patients between the ages of 61 and 85. Participants were divided into 2 groups and received either the OS-01 formulation (n = 27) or a control moisturizer (ⁿ = 25). In the control group, the average age was 72.43, and in the OS-01 cohort, the mean age was 69.96.

Participants were asked to apply the cream twice daily, along with the gentle body cleanser that was provided. Researchers evaluated skin quality, barrier function, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, pH levels, circulating inflammatory profile, and biological age at baseline and after 12 weeks. Skin measurements were conducted on the forearm and upper arm. Subjective patient questionnaires were also given at baseline, week 4, and week 123, following a 5-point scale.

Although both groups saw improvement in TEWL, those treated with the OS-01 product had more hydrated and repaired skin. In the OS-01 group, TEWL improved by 41.49% and 34.73% on the upper arm. In comparison, the control group observed a 40% improvement on the forearm but only a 24.24% improvement on the upper arm. Hydration improved by 38.34% on the forearm and 38.39% on the upper arm in the OS-01 cohort. Skin pH remained in the normal range for this group as well.

Approximately 70% observed an improvement in the general appearance of their skin compared to 42% of the control group. Participants noted significant improvements in hydration, texture, elasticity, firmness, and fragility. At the 4-week mark, 71.43% of those treated with the OS-01 formulation reported better hydration. This increased to 92.59% at the end of the study.

According to the blood analysis, inflammatory-responsive biomarkers such as IL-8 levels, significantly decreased in the OS-01 cohort. Conversely, TNF-ɑ and IFN-γ increased in the control group but remained stable in those treated with OS-01. GlycanAge analysis was also utilized and determined that systemic aging slowed in those who used the OS-01 topical, based on the participants’ biological age.

OS-01 (Peptide 14) is a patented senotherapeutic peptide that has already demonstrated efficacy and safety in previous research. The peptide prevents the accumulation of senescent cells, thus strengthening the barrier and reducing skin’s biological age.² A prior double-blind study demonstrated the ingredient’s effectiveness on the facial skin as it significantly reduced TEWL compared to a traditional emollient.³

“When we first discovered the OS-01 peptide, we didn’t set out to build a skincare brand. However, our research led us to the discovery that so many brands were marketing ‘solutions’ that weren’t solving skin health from the inside - they were bandaids on a deep-rooted wound. That’s why we became one of the first pioneers in skin longevity,” Alessandra Zonari, PhD, co-founder of OneSkin, told Dermatology Times. “This study is such an important moment for us because we now have even more scientific evidence that demonstrates not only the efficacy of the OS-01 peptide externally and internally, but the universal truth that skin health impacts age management.”

The investigators recommend further studies with longer durations and more diverse patient populations to better generalize these findings. Additionally, evaluating the lifestyle factors of participants can better understand the impact of this topical therapy. Carolina Reis Oliveria, PhD, co-founder of OneSkin, shared her thoughts on the study with Dermatology Times.

“Unlike other skincare brands on the market, OneSkin’s approach has always been optimizing skin health for greater health overall, focusing on longevity long before it became part of the wellness zeitgeist,” Oliveria said. “We developed our topical supplements to work both externally and internally by targeting cell senescence; and in turn, addressing chronic inflammation, a key consequence of systemic aging. It is extremely gratifying after years of research and product development to see your discovery make a difference.”

References

1. Zonari A, Brace LE, Buhrer LB, et al. OS-01 Peptide Topical Formulation Improves Skin Barrier Function and Reduces Systemic Inflammation Markers: A Pilot 12-Week Clinical Trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(4):e70169. doi:10.1111/jocd.70169

2. Zonari A, Brace LE, Al-Katib K, et al. Senotherapeutic peptide treatment reduces biological age and senescence burden in human skin models [published correction appears in NPJ Aging. 2024 Feb 15;10(1):14. doi: 10.1038/s41514-024-00140-w.]. NPJ Aging. 2023;9(1):10. Published 2023 May 22. doi:10.1038/s41514-023-00109-1

3. Zonari A, Brace LE, Harder NHO, et al. Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(6):2135-2144. doi:10.1111/jocd.16242