Tolerability and Effects of a 3-in-1 Dimethicone-Containing Wet Wipe Versus Cleansing with Water and Soap on Skin Hydration, Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), and Skin Roughness: A Clinical Dermatological Study

Background: Maintaining skin integrity is essential for individuals with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin. This study was conducted to evaluate the skin tolerability and effects of a 3-in-1 pre-moistened wet wipe containing 3% dimethicone on prespecified skin biophysical parameters compared with cleansing using water and soap. Methods: In this monocentric controlled observational study, 30 adults with very dry, easily damaged skin used the wet wipe three times daily for 4 weeks on the intimate area and left shin, while the right shin was cleansed with water and soap. Hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin roughness were measured on the shins; the intimate area was assessed for clinical tolerability only. Results: The wet wipe was well-tolerated, with no clinically relevant skin reactions observed under the study conditions. On day 28, compared with water and soap, the wet wipe increased hydration (mean relative change +105.84%) and reduced TEWL (−16.44%) on the lower leg. Skin roughness decreased numerically (−13.90%), but the between-condition difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: In adults with very dry and easily damaged skin, the 3-in-1 dimethicone-containing wet wipe was associated with favorable lower-leg hydration and reduced TEWL (a barrier-related indicator) compared with water and soap, with good clinical tolerability. Further site-specific studies with additional endpoints are warranted.