CLINICAL RESEARCH

Evidence of Oxygen Delivery Beneath the Skin Surface Without Disrupting the Skin Barrier

Researchers examined what happens inside human skin after topical application of AO2 SKIN's oxygen nanobubbles, including oxygen penetration and skin barrier integrity

SEE FULL STUDY INCLUDING VIDEO AND DETAILED RESULTS

THE STUDY

The First-of-Its-Kind Human Oxygen Nanobubble Enzyme Study

Conducted in collaboration with North Carolina State University and a board-certified dermatologist and nano-physicist, this study examined human skin biopsies collected before treatment and at 30- and 60-minute intervals following topical application of AO2 SKIN oxygen nanobubbles.

Human skin biopsies collected and analyzed directly
Quantitative immunofluorescence imaging
Independent academic research collaboration
Evaluation of oxygen-related biomarkers and skin barrier integrity

HOW OXYGEN WAS MEASURED

Your Skin Has It's Own Oxygen Sensor

Your skin naturally has different oxygen levels at different depths. One important marker, called Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), helps scientists understand how much oxygen is available in the skin. When oxygen levels increase, this marker goes down.

AO2 CLEAR® oxygen nanobubbles were applied to the skin, and biopsies were collected before treatment and again at 30 and 60 minutes following application.

FINDING 01

Oxygen Actually Reaches The Epidermis and Dermis

The study measured HIF-1α, a biomarker that rises when skin is low on oxygen and drops when oxygen improves. After applying AO2 SKIN, HIF-1α decreased significantly; direct biochemical proof that oxygen was delivered into the tissue.

HIF-1α is a validated scientific measure of tissue oxygenation
Results were significant at both 30 and 60 minutes
This is the body's own oxygen sensor confirming the positive penetration and effects of AO2

FINDING 02

Your Skin's Own Defenses Get Stronger

Beyond oxygenation, the study found that AO2 SKIN activates the skin's natural antioxidant defense system. Two key protective enzymes, NQO1 and HO-1, increased significantly, and HO-1 kept rising through 60 minutes, suggesting a lasting protective effect.

NQO1 elevated at 30 minutes — fast activation
HO-1 continued rising through 60 minutes — sustained defense
AO2 gives the skin a very strong defense after treatment.
Skin becomes more resilient to environmental stressors

FINDING 03

Your Skin Barrier Stays Completely Intact

Filaggrin, the key protein responsible for your skin's barrier function and hydration, showed zero change across all time points. The treatment delivers oxygen without disrupting the skin's protective layer.

Filaggrin levels unchanged at T0, T30, and T60
No disruption to the stratum corneum structure
Safe and non-disruptive — confirmed at the cellular level

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR SKIN

Targeted Oxygen Delivery. Stronger Skin. No Disruption.

Supports better oxygen availability at the pore and follicle level
Helps create a healthier environment for skin function
Maintains skin barrier integrity
Encourages a more balanced, resilient complexion

This research supports how oxygen nanobubble technology from AO2 SKIN works to improve overall skin health in a gentle, non-disruptive way.

STUDY ARCHITECTS

Dr. Zvi Yaniv, PhD

Chief Science Officer, AO2 SKIN

Nanotechnology pioneer with over 300 patents. The scientific architect behind AO2 SKIN's oxygen nanobubble delivery technology.

Vivian Bucay, MD, FAAD

Chief Medical Officer, AO2 SKIN

Johns Hopkins and Baylor College of Medicine graduate. Considered one of the pre-eminent dermatologists in the United States.

Giuseppe Valacchi, PhD

David H. Murdock Distinguished Professor of Regenerative Medicine

World-leading expert in redox biology and skin science. Holds NC State's highest faculty distinction.

Clinical patient study

AO2 SKIN conducted a prospective patient study involving 14 clinicians. They distributed a one month supply of AO2 CLEAR to be used twice daily for acne, dermatitis, post-procedure healing, hydration, or improvement of tolerability of other products. A total of 66 responses were received.

The responses were overwhelmingly positive not only for efficacy for the varied indications, but also for convenience and enjoyment of the overall product experience.

Primary Uses Among Patients

The majority of patients (66%) were using AO2 CLEAR for treatment of acne followed by post-procedure healing (16%), improving tolerability of other products (12%), and hydration/ treatment of dermatitis (6%).

Patient Improvement

After one month of use, 88% reported improvement with 35% of this group describing the result as dramatic improvement.

Likelihood of Recommending

Similarly, the majority of patients (77%) reported they would recommend the product to a friend.

Patient Enjoyment

These results were reflected in a 86% overall satisfaction rate with almost half of all patients reporting they loved using AO2 CLEAR.

These results clearly establish AO2 CLEAR as an effective treatment option for a variety of indications. It is noteworthy that patients clearly enjoy using the product. Given the safety profile, lack of interactions, ease of application, and low cost, AO2 CLEAR should be an obvious addition to any skin care regimen.

Hear what professionals are saying

Watch these videos from leading dermatologists, estheticians, and medical professionals to learn why they’ve made AO2 SKIN a key part of their practice.