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Clinical evaluation of efficacy and in-use tolerance of Venusia Glo face wash
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Gala M, Creado S, Muchhala S, Kumbhar P, Sanghavi A, Kotak B. Clinical evaluation of efficacy and in-use tolerance of Venusia Glo face wash. CosmoDerma. 2026;6:62. doi: 10.25259/CSDM_54_2026
Abstract
Objectives:
Facial cleansing must remove impurities while preserving skin pH (4.5–5.5), hydration, and barrier integrity to prevent irritation and conditions like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Many cleansers disrupt these parameters, highlighting the need for validated multifunctional formulations. This study aimed to assess the instrumental efficacy and tolerability of Venusia Glo face wash in healthy adults across various skin types.
Materials and Methods:
This was a prospective, single-center, open-label, single-arm clinical study conducted in healthy adults participants aged 18–55 years with intact facial skin. Key exclusion criteria comprised pregnancy or lactation, active facial dermatological conditions, known hypersensitivity to cosmetic products or study ingredients, recent cosmetic procedures, and use of topical or systemic dermatological treatments within 4 weeks before enrolment. Participants applied Venusia Glo face wash twice daily for 15 days. Instrumental assessments of skin hydration, pH, and radiance were performed at baseline, 15–20 min post-application, and day 15, while transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pigmentation were evaluated at baseline and day 15. Pore depth was assessed at baseline, post-application, and day 15 in the relevant subgroup, alongside clinical tolerability and participant self-assessment at day 15.
Results:
97 participants completed the study (mean age 33.5 ± 9.8 years; 83.5% female). Significant improvements included skin hydration (+20.0%, p < 0.001), TEWL reduction (−12.3%, p < 0.001), radiance (+4.4%, p < 0.001), and pigmentation (−2.2%, p = 0.001). Skin pH remained in the healthy acidic range (4.97–5.12; p < 0.05). Self-assessments showed ≥96.9% satisfaction across ease of use, gentleness, non-drying cleansing, glow, and softness; 94.1% of the PIH subgroup noted pigmentation reduction. No adverse events, erythema, or edema occurred during the study period.
Conclusion:
Venusia Glo face wash significantly enhances skin hydration, barrier function, radiance, and pigmentation while maintaining physiological pH, demonstrating excellent tolerability across skin types. These findings support its role as an effective daily cleanser with adjunctive skincare benefits.
Keywords
Facial cleanser
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Skin hydration
Skin radiance
Transepidermal water loss
INTRODUCTION
Facial dermatoses, including xerosis, skin sensitivity, acne sequelae, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), are common worldwide and can significantly affect well-being and accelerate visible signs of aging.[1,2] These conditions are often associated with impairment of the epidermal barrier, which may be aggravated by environmental factors, inappropriate skincare practices, and the use of harsh cleansing agents. The stratum corneum (SC) serves as the skin’s primary defense layer, maintaining water balance, pH stability, and protection against external irritants and microorganisms.[3] Disruption of this barrier increases permeability and susceptibility to inflammation, oxidative stress, and premature skin aging.[4] Optimal facial cleansers must therefore balance effective impurity removal with preservation of the acid mantle, hydrolipidic film integrity, and corneocyte cohesion.[1]
PIH, a common sequela of acne or inflammation, particularly in Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI, underscores the demand for gentle yet efficacious cleansers.[2] Contemporary cosmetic formulations increasingly incorporate multifunctional attributes beyond mere cleansing, targeting hydration through humectants and occlusives, radiance through optical enhancers and exfoliants, and pigmentation modulation through tyrosinase inhibitors or antioxidants.[3]Venusia Glo face wash, an International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients-compliant cosmetic, posits benefits encompassing pore decongestion, hydration augmentation, pH stabilization, barrier reinforcement, luminosity enhancement, and hyperpigmentation amelioration claims necessitating rigorous clinical scrutiny.
Instrumental assessments such as corneometry, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement, glossimetry, and 3D topography provide objective quantification superior to subjective scales, minimizing inter-observer variability.[4]
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Study design and ethical considerations
This was a prospective, single-center, open-label, single-arm interventional study conducted at C.L.A.I.M.S. Pvt. Ltd., Andheri (East), Mumbai, India, from July 24, 2025, to September 05, 2025, under the supervision of a qualified dermatologist. The study received approval from the Independent Ethics Committee of C.L.A.I.M.S. Pvt. Ltd. (Re-registration No.: ECR/245/Indt/MH/2015/RR-22) on June 04, 2025, and was registered prospectively with the Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI/2025/06/089158).
The trial was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (2013), Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines (2017), International Council for Harmonisation E6 (R3) Good Clinical Practice (2016), Good Clinical Laboratory Practice, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS - IS 4011: 2018 Methods of Test for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics [Third Revision]) guidelines for cosmetic product evaluation, along with applicable national regulations. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrolment after a detailed explanation of the study objectives, procedures, and potential risks. Participant confidentiality and safety were maintained throughout the study in accordance with Good Clinical Practice.
Participant selection
Inclusion criteria
Comprised adults aged 18–55 years with clinically healthy facial skin, willingness to comply with study procedures, and ability to provide written informed consent. Participants with visible facial pores (oily skin subgroup) or (PIH subgroup) were eligible for subgroup instrumental analyses.
Exclusion criteria
Included pregnancy or lactation (confirmed by urine pregnancy test), known hypersensitivity to cosmetic products or study ingredients, active dermatological disease on the face, recent cosmetic procedures, and use of topical or systemic treatments (including retinoids, corticosteroids, or depigmenting agents) within 4 weeks before enrolment.
Investigational product
Venusia Glo face wash (Batch TR2573A; Mfg. May 2025) was dispensed in standardized packaging. This investigation systematically evaluated Venusia Glo face wash, incorporating a comprehensive bioactive profile: niacinamide and alpha-arbutin, glycolic acid; glycerin, aloe barbadensis, and HACE 200 (I) (hyaluronic acid + ceramide N-stearoyl phytosphingosine (NP) complex), avena sativa cereal extract, allantoin, and licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra), zinc pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), and collagen synthesis promoters. Across physiological (pH, hydration, TEWL), topographic (pores, pigmentation), and perceptual (questionnaires) domains in a diverse cohort.
Compliance was assessed by recording the weight of the test product dispensed and the weight of the product retrieved at study completion in the case report forms, as specified in the study protocol. Participants were instructed to use the test product twice daily with water, massaging gently for approximately 30 s followed by rinsing.
Study procedures and visit schedule
Participants underwent a standardized two-visit protocol under controlled environmental conditions (20–22°C; 40–60% RH) following 30-min acclimatization. On day 0 (Visit 1), informed consent was obtained, inclusion/exclusion criteria verified, and baseline measurements conducted, including TEWL (VapoMeter), skin pH (PH 905), hydration (Moisture Meter SC), gloss (Glossmeter), and 3D imaging for pores. Participants then applied the test product as instructed, followed by repeat assessments 15–20 min post-application (pH, hydration, gloss, and pores) and anonymized photographs (n = 10). Products were dispensed for home use (twice-daily application) with compliance monitoring through weight documentation. On day 15 (Visit 2), participants returned for repeat baseline measurements plus TEWL and pigmentation imaging, followed by clinical tolerance evaluation (Draize scale), self-assessment questionnaire, product retrieval, and final photographs (n = 10).
Statistical analysis
The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v10.0 facilitated analysis of complete data (n = 97; subgroup n = 31–34). Continuous variables employed descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation, range) and paired Student’s t-tests for baseline changes (p < 0.05 significant). No formal power calculation preceded; the sample ensured the detectability of moderate effects.
RESULTS
Baseline characteristics
Participant disposition and baseline characteristics
A total of 99 adults aged 18–55 years with clinically intact facial skin were enrolled in the study. Of these, 97 participants successfully completed the study protocol, while two were lost to follow-up. The study population consisted predominantly of females (83.5%). Demographics reflected real-world applicability: Mean age 33.52 ± 9.78 years (males: 32.4 ± 10.2 years; females: 33.8 ± 9.6 years); 16 males (16.5%) and 81 females (83.5%); skin types, dry/oily (32% each), normal/mixed (24.8%), sensitive (11.3%); 35.1% PIH-positive [Table 1].
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of participants | 97 |
| Age (years) | |
| Mean | 33.52 |
| SD* | 09.78 |
| Range | 18.00–54.00 years |
| Gender (%) | |
| Males | 16 (16.5) |
| Females | 81 (83.5) |
| PIH (%) | |
| Yes | 34 (35.1) |
| No | 63 (64.9) |
| Skin type (%) | |
| Normal skin | 12 (12.4) |
| Dry skin | 31 (32.0) |
| Mixed (combination) skin | 12 (12.4) |
| Oily skin (having visible pores) | 31 (32.0) |
| Sensitive skin | 11 (11.3) |
Primary efficacy outcomes
Skin pH (n = 97)
Baseline mean skin pH measured 4.97 ± 0.48, reflecting optimal acid mantle integrity. Post-application (15–20 min), pH increased modestly to 5.16 ± 0.53 (mean difference +0.19 ± 0.60, p = 0.002; +3.8% change), remaining within the physiological range (4.5–5.5). At day 15, pH was 5.12 ± 0.54 (mean difference +0.15 ± 0.62, p = 0.019; +3.0% change), demonstrating sustained pH homeostasis without alkalization [Figure 1 and Table 2].
| Parameter (n) | Baseline Mean±SD | Post-application (15–20 min) Mean±SD | Δ*Post-application versus baseline (p-value) | Day 15 Mean±SD | Δ Day 15 versus baseline (p-value) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin pH (n=97) | 4.97±0.48 | 5.16±0.53 | 0.002 | 5.12±0.54 | 0.019 |
| Skin Hydration – MMSC (n=97) | 19.99±2.98 | 21.03±3.10 | 0.001 | 24.00±3.06 | 0.001 |
| TEWL – VapoMeter (n=97) | 17.38±4.77 | NA | NA | 15.24±4.50 | 0.001 |
| Skin Radiance – Glossmeter (n=97) | 48.42±6.08 | 49.39±5.98 | 0.001 | 50.56±5.95 | 0.001 |
| Pore Depth – 3D Imaging (n=31) | 0.039±0.012 | 0.041±0.013 | 0.225 (NS) | 0.044±0.020 | 0.088 (NS) |
| Pigmentation – 3D Imaging (n=34) | 65.14±7.33 | NA | NA | 63.71±7.07 | 0.001 |
Skin hydration (moisture meter SC; n=97)
SC hydration at baseline was 19.99 ± 2.98 arbitrary units. Immediate post-application (15–20 min) readings improved significantly to 21.03 ± 3.10 (mean difference +1.04 ± 0.63, p = 0.001; +5.2% change), with further enhancement at day 15 to 24.00 ± 3.06 (mean difference +4.00 ± 1.32, p = 0.001; +20.0% change), indicating progressive moisturization [Figure 2].
TEWL; VapoMeter; n=97
Baseline TEWL was 17.38 ± 4.77. After 15 days, TEWL decreased significantly to 15.24 ± 4.50 (mean difference −2.14 ± 1.81, p = 0.001; −12.3% change), confirming enhanced barrier function [Figure 3 and Table 2].
Skin radiance (glossmeter; n = 97)
Baseline gloss was 48.42 ± 6.08 gloss units, increasing post-application to 49.39 ± 5.98 (mean difference +0.97 ± 0.71, p = 0.001; +2.0% change) and further to 50.56 ± 5.95 at day 15 (mean difference +2.14 ± 1.13, p = 0.001; +4.4% change) [Figure 4 and Table 2].
Pore depth (3D imaging; n = 31, oily skin subgroup)
The Maximum pore depth at baseline was 0.039 ± 0.012 mm, which slightly increased after 15–20 min post-application (0.041 ± 0.013 mm; +5.1%, p = 0.225) and (0.044 ± 0.020 mm; +14.1%, p = 0.088) after 15 days. No significant difference in pore cleansing effect was observed [Figure 5].
Pigmentation (3D imaging; n = 34, PIH subgroup)
Baseline pigmentation index was 65.14 ± 7.33, decreasing significantly to 63.71 ± 7.07 at day 15 (mean difference −1.43 ± 1.01, p = 0.001; −2.2% change) [Figure 6 and Table 2].
Secondary outcomes
Participants completed a 9-item Likert scale questionnaire (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree) [Figure 7]. Top 2 box scores (Agree/Strongly Agree) demonstrated high satisfaction. Self-assessment results showed satisfactory tolerance with maximum percentages endorsing key attributes: 100% of participants (97/97) agreed/strongly agreed the product was easy to use and left skin soft/smooth; 99% (96/97) found it gentle; 96.9% (94/97) confirmed cleansing without drying; 97.9% (95/97) noted skin glow; and 89.7% (87/97) reported hydration.
Safety outcomes
Clinical tolerance evaluation revealed no erythema or edema (Draize score = 0 across all participants). No adverse events were observed throughout the study duration.
DISCUSSION
This study’s findings demonstrate that Venusia Glo face wash effectively maintains skin health by preserving physiological skin pH, enhancing hydration, improving barrier function, increasing radiance, and reducing pigmentation, all while exhibiting excellent tolerability. The observed increase in hydration of 20% and TEWL reduction of 12.3% aligns with effects from niacinamide/hyaluronic acid cleansers, attributable to Coco Amido Propyl Betaine’s mildness and emollient conditioning. The observed 2.2% reduction in pigmentation is consistent with improvements reported for antioxidant-based cleansers.[5,6]
The modest yet statistically significant increase in mean skin pH from 4.97 to 5.12 immediately post-application and at day 15 remained within the physiologic acidic range (4.5–5.5), which is essential for optimal barrier enzyme activity and microbiome homeostasis.[7] Maintenance of this mildly acidic milieu is critical, as alkaline cleansers are known to disrupt the acid mantle, impair lipid-processing enzymes, increase serine protease activity, and promote irritation and dysbiosis.[8] Indeed, several commercial cleansing formulations exhibit pH values >7, with documented adverse effects on SC integrity and barrier recovery, underscoring the clinical relevance of pH-balanced formulations. The preservation of physiologic pH observed in this study, therefore, supports maintenance of epidermal defense mechanisms and a lower propensity for irritation.[7,9]
The observed 20% increase in skin hydration, accompanied by a 12.3% reduction in TEWL, further indicates meaningful barrier support. TEWL is a validated surrogate marker of SC integrity, with reductions reflecting enhanced corneocyte cohesion and improved water-retention capacity. In contrast, many conventional cleansers induce transient post-wash dehydration and increased TEWL, with only gradual barrier recovery over time. The sustained improvements demonstrated here suggest effective preservation of the hydrolipidic film and alignment with evidence supporting mild, pH-compatible surfactant systems for maintaining epidermal barrier function, particularly in sensitive or barrier-compromised skin.[10]
The significant 4.4% increase in skin glossmeter readings, backed by 97.9% participant perception of skin glow, suggests effective improvement in skin surface texture and luminosity. Hydration plays a major role in light reflection and skin smoothness, contributing to increased radiance.[11] The enhancement of gloss and glow likely results from improved SC hydration and lipid balance, consistent with other findings that moisturization and barrier repair are fundamental to achieving a vibrant complexion.[12] This outcome underscores Venusia Glo’s efficacy beyond cleansing, addressing cosmetic concerns of dullness and uneven texture.
The 2.2% reduction in pigmentation in participants with PIH, supported by 94.1% subjective agreement, is clinically important given PIH’s recalcitrant nature. Comparable interventions for PIH, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acid chemical peels, produce higher but more invasive and irritation-prone improvements.[13] The product’s gentle yet effective pigmentation reduction suggests potential anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects that modulate melanogenesis, aligning with other face cleansers reported to improve acne and PIH with good tolerability.
96.9% of participants reported cleansing efficacy without dryness, indicating a satisfactory subjective pore cleansing effect, consistent with common findings that cleansing comfort and absence of irritation are as critical as measurable pore changes.[10]
The absence of erythema, edema, or adverse events throughout the 15-day period, coupled with 99% participant agreement on gentleness, confirms the product’s excellent skin compatibility. The formulation’s active complex provides the absence of erythema, edema, or adverse events over 15 days, together with 99% participant agreement on gentleness, supporting excellent skin compatibility. The formulation components provide a plausible mechanistic basis for the observed effects: Niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, and licorice extract help support pigmentation reduction (−2.2%) and improved radiance (+4.4%); glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramide NP complex (HACE) 200 (hyaluronic acid/ceramide NP), and Aloe vera support hydration (+20%) and barrier function, reflected by reduced TEWL (−12.3%); and avena sativa, allantoin, and zinc PCA contribute to overall tolerability (99% gentleness).[10-13] Glycolic acid supports gentle renewal without compromising tolerability, positioning the product as a cosmeceutical cleanser bridging cleansing and active skincare.[14,15] These findings align with the safety profile of mild, pH-balanced cleansers, supporting suitability for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin.[6] No participants reported pricking, burning, itching, or tingling sensations.
The favorable clinical profile may be attributed to the mild surfactant system (cocamidopropyl betaine) combined with conditioning emollients and pH stabilizers, which help support effective cleansing without barrier disruption. Maintenance of physiological pH (4.5–5.5) may further support barrier integrity and reduce inflammatory triggers relevant to PIH, distinguishing this formulation from alkaline cleansers associated with higher irritation risk.[11,13]
In real-world use, the observed improvements in hydration, barrier integrity, and tolerability with twice-daily cleansing suggest that Venusia Glo face wash supports effective cleansing while preserving long-term skin health. By helping maintain the skin barrier and physiological pH, continued use may reduce cumulative barrier damage, irritation, and low-grade inflammation commonly associated with frequent cleansing, effects that are particularly relevant for individuals with sensitive, acne-prone, or PIH-prone skin. High consumer-reported ratings for gentleness, non-drying cleansing, softness, and visible radiance suggest clinically appreciable tolerability and cosmetic benefit, thereby supporting consistent daily use. Sustained application of such a barrier-preserving cleanser may help maintain epidermal integrity, enhance compatibility with concomitant dermatologic therapies, and facilitate durable improvements in skin comfort and overall appearance across diverse skin phenotypes.
Limitations
This study employed a single-arm, open-label design without a comparator, which may introduce performance and detection bias, particularly for subjective outcomes. However, the use of validated instrumental measurements mitigates this limitation for primary efficacy endpoints.
CONCLUSION
Venusia Glo face wash demonstrated clinically relevant improvements in skin hydration, barrier integrity, radiance, and pigmentation while maintaining physiological skin pH and exhibiting excellent tolerability across skin types. The absence of irritation or adverse cutaneous reactions supports its suitability for regular daily use, including in individuals with sensitive or PIH-prone skin. By combining gentle cleansing with barrier-preserving and cosmetic benefits, Venusia Glo face wash may serve as an effective foundational skincare product within routine dermatological care.
Acknowledgment:
Sponsor: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, Clinical Site: C.L.A.I.M.S. Pvt. Ltd., Principal Investigator: Dr. Rajiv Joshi, Participants and site staff.
Ethical approval:
The study received approval from the Independent Ethics Committee of C.L.A.I.M.S. Pvt. Ltd.’ Re-registration No.: ECR/245/Indt/MH/2015/RR-22 on June 04, 2025. CTRI Number: CTRI/2025/06/089158.
Declaration of patient consent:
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient has given consent for clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that the patient’s names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Conflicts of interest:
All authors are employees of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation:
The author confirms that there was no use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for assisting in the writing or editing of the manuscript and no images were manipulated using AI.
Financial support and sponsorship: The study was funded by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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