Establishment of a New Three-Dimensional Human Epidermal Model Reconstructed from Plucked Hair Follicle-Derived Keratinocytes

The study established a new reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model using keratinocytes derived from plucked hair follicles, offering a safer, simpler, and less invasive alternative to traditional skin-derived models. The hair follicle-derived RHE was found to be morphologically, genetically, and functionally similar to skin-derived RHE, making it a viable substitute for conventional models. This model was developed without the use of serum, fibroblasts, or biopsies, addressing the need for less invasive techniques in skin research. The study demonstrated that the hair follicle-derived RHE could effectively be used for skin irritation tests, showing comparable results to commercially available RHEs.