Understanding the Science Behind Keratoderm®: The Role of Skin Barrier Protect™ Technology | Samaxia
Veterinary Insight • Evidence-Based Overview
Understanding the Science Behind Keratoderm®: The Role of Skin Barrier Protect™ Technology
Why this matters in practice
Oily, scaly, or malodorous coats are common presentations in small-animal practice. Veterinary teams increasingly look for fragrance-free, well-tolerated cleansing options that help maintain coat balance and support the skin barrier while encouraging owner compliance.
What is Keratoderm®?
Keratoderm® is a perfume-free, sulfur-free seboregulating shampoo formulated for dogs. It combines cider vinegar (astringent, purifying), lactic acid (gentle keratolytic AHA), and tea tree leaf oil (purifying and odour-neutralising qualities) with moisturisers (glycerine, shea butter) and soothing agents (Centella asiatica, vitamin B3). These are integrated with a patented platform: Skin Barrier Protect™ Technology.
The four actions of Skin Barrier Protect™ Technology
1) Hydration support
Glycerine and shea butter help attract and retain water in the stratum corneum, supporting suppleness and helping to limit post-wash dryness.
2) Soothing and comfort
Centella asiatica extract and vitamin B3 (niacinamide) provide surface comfort, suitable for dogs that benefit from gentle, perfume-free care.
3) Skin barrier reinforcement
A biomimetic lipid matrix (including ceramide 3, squalane, phytosterols, fatty acids, and phospholipids) mirrors natural skin lipids to support barrier integrity.
4) Long-term structure support
Asparagopsis armata (biologically active algae) is included to support epidermal structure and overall coat quality over time.
Evidence snapshot: open pet-owner evaluation (2024)
Source: Navarro C, Delaup V, Baise C, Jahier B. Effect of a Seboregulating Shampoo on Dogs with Oily Skin: An Open Pet-Owners Evaluation. Int J Clin Expl Dermatol. 2024;9(2):1–4. Open access PDF: view the study.
- Population: 20 privately-owned dogs with oily and scaly skin; once-weekly washing for 4 weeks.
- Owner-assessed improvements observable by day 7, with further gains by day 28.
- Keratoseborrhoeic Index (KSI) decreased from 16.7 to 6.8 over 4 weeks (owner scoring framework).
- High owner satisfaction (mean 8.8/10 for ease of use, foaming, and perceived effectiveness).
- No adverse events reported in this evaluation.
| Measure (owner-assessed) | Baseline (D0) | Day 7 (D7) | Day 28 (D28) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (0–10) | 7.2 ± 1.8 | 4.2 ± 2.3 | 3.1 ± 2.7 |
| Keratoseborrhoeic Index (sum of signs) | 16.7 | 8.9 | 6.8 |
| Owner global satisfaction (0–10) | — | — | 8.8 |
Why veterinary teams may recommend Keratoderm®
- Fragrance-free and sulfur-free to support tolerance and owner compliance.
- Balanced cleansing with seboregulating and keratomodulating components plus barrier-supporting lipids.
- Owner-assessed improvements observed within the evaluation period above.
- Practical in clinic: suitable when a gentle, modern, barrier-focused cleansing option is appropriate.
Use in practice
Frequency and duration can be tailored by the veterinary team according to coat condition and owner goals. As with any grooming product, avoid contact with eyes and rinse thoroughly. Advise owners to follow professional guidance provided by your practice team.
Reference
Navarro C, Delaup V, Baise C, Jahier B. Effect of a Seboregulating Shampoo on Dogs with Oily Skin: An Open Pet-Owners Evaluation. Int J Clin Expl Dermatol. 2024;9(2):1–4. Open-access PDF.
