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J. Soc. Cosmet. them., 42, 327-333 (September/October 1991) Effects of pH changes in a specific detergent multicomponent emulsion on the water content of stratum corneum W. GEHRING, M. GEHSE, V. ZIMMERMAN, and M. GLOOR, Hautklinik am Stiidt. Klinikum Karlsruhe, Moltkestr. 18, D 7500 Karlsruhe, Germany. Received June 11, 1990. Synopsis The effects of varying pH in a specific detergent multicomponent emulsion showed a greater dehydrative effect at alkaline pH (7.5) than at neutral or acidic pH (4.5). This dehydrative effect was more pronounced among younger than older subjects. INTRODUCTION Blank and Shappirio (1) have demonstrated that the water-binding capacity of the stratum corneum is decreased by detergent solutions. Accordingly, we were able to show in our earlier studies that contact with detergent solutions causes dehydration of the horny layer (3). In the present study, the effect of pH in a specific detergent multi- component emulsion was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS GROUPS OF PATIENTS STUDIED Since earlier studies of our own have shown that the water content of the stratum corneum depends on the age of the subject, we investigated two groups of patients selected according to their age. Group A consisted of 24 female and 16 male subjects, with a mean age of 20.3 years (age range 16 to 43). Group B included 31 females and 9 males, with a mean age of 71.3 years (age range 60 to 86). None of the test subjects suffered from skin diseases. Dedicated to Dr. H. Walther, Pforzheim, on his 70th birthday. 327