Long-term study. Biophysical measurements before and after daily applications for 15- and 30-day periods are reported in Figures 1 and 2. All the formulations studied produced a significant increase in stratum corneum moisture (p < 0.001) 15 and 30 days after daily application, when compared with the baseline values and with the control group (Figure 1). The effect was more evident with the use of formulations supplemented with panthenol. After long-period treatments, all formulations produced a significant increase in stratum corneum moisture, including the ones without panthenol. Other raw materials in this cosmetic formulation (i.e., sclerotium gum and hydrogenated and ethoxylated castor oil) could also act on the epidermis, causing improved skin hydration (24). No significant alterations were observed in skin viscoelastic properties in the long-term studies ( p < 0.05) when compared with baseline values. The viscoelastic-to-elastic ratio (Uv/Ue) is a parameter obtained by cutometer analysis, which can be used not only to evaluate skin elasticity properties but also hydration of the deeper layers of the epidermis (19). Results suggest that the formulations under study did not present any of the above-mentioned effects on the epidermis. They seem to have not only a moisturizing effect on stratum corneum but they also reduce TEWL due to fi lmogen and protective properties.