Oily skin is more than a cosmetic concern. It is a complex dermatological condition driven by sebaceous gland hyperactivity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbiome imbalance — a self-reinforcing mechanism often described as the “oily-skin loop.”

A new randomized, split-face clinical trial investigated the efficacy of a cosmetic cream containing a standardized isorhamnetin-rich extract from Opuntia ficus-indica flowers in subjects with combination to oily skin.

Study Design

• 22 subjects with combination to oily skin

• 28-day treatment period

• Twice-daily application

• Monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design

The active formulation contained 1% standardized extract of Opuntia ficus-indica flowers (≥0.3% isorhamnetin).

Comprehensive efficacy assessments included:

• Skin sebum content

• Sebum Excretion Rate (SER)

• Pore diameter

• TNF-α levels

• Skin microbiome composition

• Lipidomic profile

• Subjective self-assessment

Key Clinical Results

Significant Sebum Reduction

After 14 and 28 days:

• Forehead sebum decreased by 13.1% and 21.1%

• Alar groove sebum decreased by 10.4% and 15.8%

• SER reduced by 37.2%

A mattifying effect lasting up to 7.1 hours was observed.

Improved Skin Appearance

• 9.6% reduction in pore size

• Visible improvement in overall skin texture

Reduced Inflammation

• TNF-α levels decreased by 7.4%, supporting anti-inflammatory activity

Microbiome-Friendly

• Skin microbiome composition remained stable

• No dysbiosis induced by treatment

Enhanced Lipid Profile & Barrier Support

Lipidomic analysis revealed:

• Increased ceramides

• Increased triacylglycerols

These findings suggest improved barrier integrity and hydration balance — a key aspect often overlooked in oily skin management.

A Multi-Targeted Approach to Oily Skin

The study demonstrates that isorhamnetin-rich Opuntia ficus-indica flower extract:

• Modulates sebaceous gland activity

• Reduces inflammation

• Preserves microbiome stability

• Supports barrier lipids

• Improves overall skin appearance

Rather than simply reducing sebum, this ingredient appears to act on multiple components of the oily-skin loop, offering a comprehensive dermocosmetic strategy.

Discover the complete methodology, statistical analysis, microbiome data, and lipidomic insights.

Download the full PDF of the study to explore all clinical results in detail.

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