Disclaimer

Sodium – moisture environment of the stratum corneum

Publication:
Watabe A, Sugawara T, Kikuchi K, Yamasaki K, Sakai S, Aiba S. Sweat constitutes several natural moisturizing factors, lactate, urea, sodium, and potassium. Journal of Dermatological Science. 2013;72(2):177–182.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2013.06.005 · PMID: 23871424

WHAT THE STUDY SHOWS In anhidrotic skin areas, both stratum corneum hydration and, among others, sodium, potassium, lactate, and urea were lower. The authors classify sweat as a source of several natural moisturizing factors and describe a connection with the physiological hydration status of the stratum corneum.

WHAT IT DOES NOT SHOW The study does not investigate the topical application of sodium in a SOURCE LAB product and does not prove that sodium alone regulates the skin's water balance after applying a cosmetic product.

Open source at PubMed

Calcium – skin cell maturation and epidermal barrier processes

Publication:
Bikle DD, Xie Z, Tu CL. Calcium regulation of keratinocyte differentiation. Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2012;7(4):461–472.
DOI: 10.1586/eem.12.34 · PMID: 23144648

WHAT THE PUBLICATION SHOWS The review describes calcium as an important regulator of keratinocyte differentiation. A calcium gradient within the epidermis is involved in the orderly maturation of keratinocytes and the formation of the permeability barrier of the stratum corneum.

WHAT IT DOES NOT SHOW The publication is not proof of efficacy that topically applied calcium in a specific SOURCE LAB product automatically produces the same physiological processes or a clinically measurable barrier effect.

Open source at PubMed

Magnesium – Moisture and roughness in a magnesium-rich salt solution

Publication:
Proksch E, Nissen HP, Bremgartner M, Urquhart C. Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. International Journal of Dermatology. 2005;44(2):151–157.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02079.x · PMID: 15689218

WHAT THE STUDY SHOWS A 5% magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution was investigated in individuals with atopic dry skin. Compared to the control arm treated with tap water, hydration increased; skin roughness and redness were reduced. In a subgroup with elevated baseline TEWL, measured barrier function also improved. The authors suggest the high magnesium content as an important factor.

WHAT IT DOES NOT SHOW A complex magnesium-rich salt solution was investigated – not isolated magnesium and not the SOURCE LAB formulation. The observed effects should therefore not be uncritically adopted as identical product effects or effect strengths.

Open source at PubMed

Strontium – burning, stinging, and sensory irritation in controlled skin tests

Publication:
Hahn GS. Strontium is a potent and selective inhibitor of sensory irritation. Dermatologic Surgery. 1999;25(9):689–694.
DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.99099.x · PMID: 10491058

WHAT THE STUDY SHOWS In double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized trials, various irritants with or without strontium salts were tested on the intact skin of healthy women with self-reported sensitive skin. The topical application of the strontium salts investigated significantly suppressed the sensory irritation such as stinging, burning, and itching caused by the irritants.

WHAT IT DOES NOT SHOW The investigation is not proof that every strontium salt, every concentration, or a finished SOURCE LAB product has the same effect or effect strength. It also specifically investigates experimentally induced sensory irritation.

Open source at PubMed

Dermatest: What the award signifies

References to a Dermatest examination or the rating "very good" refer exclusively to the subject and result of the respective performed examination of the specifically tested product, in particular its examined skin compatibility.

Such a rating is not proof that a product treats diseases, has therapeutic effects, or is equally well tolerated by everyone.

When medical advice is important

Cosmetic care cannot replace medical clarification. In case of known or suspected skin conditions, persistent or recurring complaints, pronounced inflammation, pain, weeping or open skin areas, strong or unusual reactions, or unclear skin changes, medical or dermatological advice should be sought.

If significant incompatibility reactions occur during use, the affected product should first be discontinued and the cause clarified medically if necessary.

OUR AMBITION

Communicate clearly – without overstating research.

Therefore, we consciously distinguish between the cosmetic effect of a finished product, the known physiological role of a substance in the skin, and results from scientific studies on individual ingredients or test formulations.

Legal basis for cosmetic claims

Advertising claims for cosmetic products are subject in particular to Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and the common criteria of Regulation (EU) No 655/2013. These require, among other things, that cosmetic claims must be truthful, verifiable, fair, and comprehensible to consumers.

Properties of a single ingredient must not create the impression that the finished product automatically possesses the same properties. If an ingredient property is transferred to the final product, this transfer must be supported by sufficient and verifiable evidence. Furthermore, the effect of a product must not be presented as being stronger than the available evidence allows.

Legal Basis & Official Sources

FINAL NOTE

This page serves to transparently classify our cosmetic communication and scientific sources. A general disclaimer cannot "cure" a specific advertising claim if, in its respective context, it extends beyond the available evidence. Therefore, we assess claims about individual products and ingredients separately and in the context of the evidence available in each case.