Discover the science behind
The first topical formula that corrects and maintains skin pH at the optimal 4.7 level
Healthy skin is naturally acidic (about pH 4.7–4.9).
This optimal acidity:
Keeps the skin barrier strong
Helps the skin fight pathogenic bacteria
Supports a balanced microbiome (good bacteria on your skin)
Science / knowledge
The Skin’s Acid Mantle — Your Master pH Regulator & Natural Microbiome Protector
A thin, invisible biochemical shield on the skin’s surface
Regulates skin pH, maintaining the optimal acidic range (4.7–4.9)
Supports hydration by sustaining Natural Moisturizing Factor(NMF)
Inhibits pathogenic microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus
Fosters beneficial bacteria for a balanced, resilient microbiome
Science / knowledge
Elevated pH & Inflammation
Higher pH increases the activity of key proteases (KLK5, KLK7)
These enzymes degrade corneodesmosomes—the “glue” between skin cells
Barrier breakdown increases water loss and allows irritants and allergens to penetrate
Protease activity triggers pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines
These signals recruit Th2 immune cells (a hallmark of AD)
Th2 cells release IL-4, IL-13, and related cytokines that further impair barrier function
The result is a self-perpetuating cycle of chronic inflammation
Science / knowledge
Elevated pH & Itch: The Vicious Cycle
Activates proteases (KLK5, KLK7) that weaken the skin barrier
Stimulates the PAR2 itch receptor, increasing nerve sensitivity
Creates a favorable environment for Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth
These changes amplify inflammation and itch, leading to scratching that further damages the barrier and perpetuates the eczema cycle
Science / knowledge
Elevated pH & the Microbiome
Disrupts the natural balance of the skin microbiota
Promotes overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus
Suppresses beneficial species such as S. epidermidis
Diminishes the skin’s innate antimicrobial defenses
Drives dysbiosis that fuels inflammation and flare-ups
Ultimately, elevated pH shifts the microbiome from protective to pathogenic—directly feeding the cycle of eczema flare-ups.
Science / knowledge
How Soteri Works to Relieve Eczema
Soteri’s pH/LOCK® Complex Is Engineered To:
Restore the skin’s natural acidic pH (~4.7)
Maintain this healthy pH for up to 12 hours
Impact on the Skin Barrier
Reduces overactivity of pH-sensitive proteases (KLK5, KLK7) that degrade the barrier
Supports barrier repair by optimizing enzymatic processing of lipids and filaggrin for stronger, more resilient skin
Impact on the Microbiome
Creates conditions that suppress Staphylococcus aureus
Favors the growth of beneficial commensals that stabilize the microbiome
Impact on the Immune & Itch Pathways
Reduces activation of PAR2 and downstream itch signaling
Lowers the release of epithelial “alarm” cytokines (TSLP, IL-25, IL-33) that drive Th2-dominant inflammation
Citations:
Schmid-Wendtner MH, Korting HC. The pH of the skin surface and its impact on barrier function. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2006;19(6):296–302. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17077646/
Danby SG, Cork MJ. pH in atopic dermatitis. In: Fluhr JW, ed. pH of the Skin: Issues and Challenges. Karger; 2018. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/pH-in-Atopic-Dermatitis-Danby-Cork/
Cork MJ, et al. Epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2009;129(8):1892–1908. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19434066/
Jang H, et al. Skin pH is the master switch of KLK5-mediated barrier dysfunction, itch, and inflammation. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2016;136(7):1525–1535. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X16306136
Briot A, et al. KLK5 induces AD-like lesions via PAR2-mediated TSLP expression. Journal of Experimental Medicine. 2009;206(5):1135–1147. https://rupress.org/jem/article/206/5/1135/41068/
Guo CJ, et al. KLK7 promotes atopic dermatitis–associated itch independently of inflammation. JCI Insight. 2019;4(10):e124233. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6531687/
Roan F, Obata-Ninomiya K, Ziegler SF. Epithelial cell–derived cytokines: IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2019;129(4):1441–1451. https://www.jci.org/articles/view/124606
Ebina-Shibuya R, Furusawa JI, Horiguchi S. Role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in allergy and beyond. Nature Reviews Immunology. 2023;23:492–508. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-023-00856-5
Divekar R, et al. Advances in IL-33, IL-25, TSLP, and allergic inflammation. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2015;15(1):33–41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295638/
Nakatsuji T, et al. The role of the skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2019;122(3):263–269. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1081120618310743
Di Domenico EG, et al. Staphylococcus aureus and the microbiota in atopic dermatitis. Microorganisms. 2019;7(9):301. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/7/9/301
Kobayashi T, et al. Dysbiosis and Staphylococcus aureus colonization drive atopic dermatitis. Immunity. 2015;42(4):756–766. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406454/
Ogonowska P, et al. Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis: A comprehensive review. Microorganisms. 2021;9(7):1430. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8304020/
Steinhoff M, et al. Role of PAR-2 in neuroimmune communication and itch. In: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. Springer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553861/
Bedi G, Dash PP, Pielak RM. Clinical study of Soteri Skin cream in atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. International Journal of Research in Dermatology. 2022;8(6):543–550. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365637560
