Stratum corneum water content regulation via humectant effect

The term "Stratum corneum water content regulation via humectant effect" does not refer to a single molecular target such as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or protein. Instead, it describes a physiological process involving the maintenance and modulation of water content within the outermost layer of human skin—the stratum corneum—primarily through interactions with humectants and changes in lipid structure[1][2][3]. The stratum corneum is composed mainly of dead keratinocytes (corneocytes) embedded in an intercellular lipid matrix. Water is stored primarily within these cells and also associated with hydrophilic regions between lamellar lipids[1][2]. Humectants are substances that attract and retain moisture from the environment or deeper layers into the stratum corneum. They do not act on a specific molecular target but instead interact broadly with components like keratins and lipids to increase water-binding capacity[5][6]. The structural organization—especially short lamellar structures—plays an important role in regulating how much water can be held by this layer[1][2]. Because this entry refers to a process rather than a discrete molecular entity or druggable target, it should not be classified as a canonical therapeutic target. There is no single protein/receptor/enzyme responsible for "stratum corneum water content regulation via humectant effect," making this entry incorrect for structured drug-target databases. > Based upon these results we propose that the water content in the human stratum corneum is regulated to be at 20–30 wt% so as to stabilize the short lamellar structure in the intercellular lipid matrix.[1] > The amount of water in the SC can affect how a drug carrier permeates through...the SC is composed of...corneocytes and intercellular lipid layers...[which] form two main types of lamellar structures...[and] S-La contains water phases...that may play an important role in regulating [SC] water content.[3] In summary: This entry describes an important physiological property/process but does not correspond to any individual molecule suitable for classification as a therapeutic target.

Other names

Regulation of stratum corneum hydrationStratum corneum water homeostasisSC hydration regulation

Water retention by hygroscopic molecules in the stratum corneum Modification of intercellular lipid matrix to enhance or reduce water loss