Evidence supporting the use of: Mucilage
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mucilage, a gelatinous substance derived from plants such as aloe vera, marshmallow root, and flaxseed, has a long history of traditional use for alleviating dry and flaky skin. This use is primarily rooted in the demulcent properties of mucilage, which allow it to form a soothing, protective layer over mucous membranes and the skin. Historical herbal medicine texts from cultures such as Ancient Greece, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine document the topical application of mucilaginous extracts for skin dryness, irritation, and minor wounds. The slippery, viscous nature of mucilage is believed to help retain skin moisture and provide temporary relief from irritation.

While there is substantial ethnobotanical and anecdotal support for using mucilage-rich preparations on dry or flaky skin, high-quality clinical trials or robust scientific studies validating these effects are limited. Most available evidence consists of in vitro studies demonstrating the hydrating and barrier-forming properties of mucilage or small pilot studies assessing comfort and symptom relief. Therefore, the use of mucilage for dry and flaky skin is justified primarily by tradition, with some preliminary scientific rationale but lacking strong clinical validation.

More about Mucilage
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Products containing Mucilage

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