This page presents a meta-analysis of published research regarding the individual ingredients used in our formulations, NOT claims about our products.
The statements made about potential benefits represent a hypothesis—an informed opinion—about the totality of the presented findings from the linked scientific reports. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Our products are topical formulations and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The research presented here explains why we selected these particular ingredients for our relief products, based on their documented anti-inflammatory properties in scientific literature.
This review explores the anti-inflammatory efficacy and safety profile of ingredients in GrainEase's GritNGlide Relief Butter based on published research. Our formulation includes natural ingredients with scientifically documented anti-inflammatory properties that have established safety records according to manufacturer documentation.
Each ingredient was selected based on its published anti-inflammatory benefits and established safety profile as documented in peer-reviewed research and manufacturer safety data. The following analysis summarizes findings from multiple scientific studies regarding both the safety and potential therapeutic benefits of these ingredients.
This review was compiled on May 10, 2025, based on publicly available peer-reviewed scientific literature and manufacturer safety documentation. The safety information references Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provided by ingredient suppliers (e.g., New Directions Aromatics, Flinn Scientific, Spectrum Chemical). For efficacy information, this review draws on published research studies examining the anti-inflammatory properties of each ingredient, highlighting clinical and laboratory evidence that demonstrates potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Scientific research strongly supports the anti-inflammatory properties of the ingredients in GritNGlide Relief Butter. Below is a detailed analysis of each ingredient's anti-inflammatory efficacy based on published studies:
Anti-inflammatory Evidence: Research published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (2012) demonstrates that shea butter exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines via the Nf-κB pathway in macrophage cells. This mechanism is similar to how many pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory agents work, suggesting potent natural anti-inflammatory action.
Efficacy Rating: Strong – Multiple studies confirm consistent anti-inflammatory activity at the cellular level through well-understood biological pathways.
Anti-inflammatory Evidence: A critical review in Nutrients (2016) examined randomized controlled trials on cocoa consumption and inflammation processes, finding significant anti-inflammatory effects. Additional research in Pain Research and Management (2020) specifically reviewed cocoa's anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive (pain-reducing) effects, indicating potential benefits for pain management through topical application.
Efficacy Rating: Moderate to Strong – Multiple clinical trials support anti-inflammatory properties, with additional evidence for pain relief benefits.
Anti-inflammatory Evidence: In vitro studies published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (2018) confirmed significant anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of virgin coconut oil. Additional research in Pharmaceutical Biology (2010) demonstrated analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. A 2022 study in Molecules showed that coconut oil alleviates oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory responses via regulation of the MAPK pathway, a key inflammation signaling mechanism.
Efficacy Rating: Strong – Consistent evidence across multiple studies showing anti-inflammatory action through various biological mechanisms.
Anti-inflammatory Evidence: Research published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (1998) demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity of D-002, an active product isolated from beeswax. Multiple studies have confirmed antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent secondary inflammation from infections. The protective barrier formed by beeswax may also help reduce inflammation by shielding irritated skin from environmental stressors.
Efficacy Rating: Moderate – Direct anti-inflammatory effects documented, enhanced by antimicrobial and protective barrier properties.
Anti-inflammatory Evidence: A 2024 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology demonstrated that topical application of jojoba wax reduces inflammation in ex-vivo human skin models. Earlier research in Pharmacological Research (2005) confirmed anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models. The oil's similarity to human sebum allows for excellent penetration and delivery of anti-inflammatory compounds.
Efficacy Rating: Strong – Recent human skin model studies confirm significant anti-inflammatory effects with topical application.
Anti-inflammatory Evidence: Extensive research demonstrates olive oil's anti-inflammatory properties. A systematic review in Nutrition (2019) confirmed anti-inflammatory benefits. The phenolic compound oleocanthal has been shown to have similar anti-inflammatory mechanisms to ibuprofen, inhibiting COX enzymes. Multiple studies document reduction in inflammatory markers with olive oil use.
Efficacy Rating: Strong – Robust evidence from multiple systematic reviews and mechanistic studies showing clear anti-inflammatory action.
Anti-inflammatory Evidence: A meta-analysis in Scientific Reports (2020) of randomized clinical trials showed significant effects on inflammatory biomarkers. Research in Annual Review of Nutrition documented vitamin E's role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies show particular benefit in inflammatory conditions affecting joints and muscles.
Efficacy Rating: Strong – Meta-analyses of clinical trials confirm anti-inflammatory effects, particularly through antioxidant mechanisms.
Anti-inflammatory Evidence:
Efficacy Rating: Strong – Multiple studies for each essential oil confirm significant anti-inflammatory activity through various mechanisms. Even at the low concentration used in GritNGlide (<0.04% combined), these essential oils contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory efficacy while minimizing potential irritation.
The combination of ingredients in GritNGlide Relief Butter provides potentially enhanced anti-inflammatory benefits through complementary mechanisms of action:
| Ingredient | Safety Profile | Anti-inflammatory Efficacy | Key Mechanisms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shea Butter | High – Non-irritating, suitable for all skin types | Strong | Inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, cytokines via NF-κB pathway |
| Cocoa Butter | High – Non-sensitizing, safe for topical use | Moderate-Strong | Flavonoid-mediated anti-inflammatory activity |
| Coconut Oil | High – Safe for topical use on healthy skin | Strong | MAPK pathway regulation, free radical scavenging |
| Beeswax | High – Non-irritating, protective barrier formation | Moderate | D-002 compound activity, antimicrobial effects |
| Jojoba Oil | High – Non-comedogenic, mimics natural sebum | Strong | Reduces inflammation in human skin models |
| Olive Oil | High – Safe for healthy skin | Strong | Oleocanthal COX inhibition, polyphenol activity |
| Vitamin E | High – Safe at cosmetic concentrations | Strong | Antioxidant-mediated anti-inflammatory effects |
| Essential Oils | Moderate-High – Safe at <0.04% concentration | Strong | Multiple pathway inhibition, cooling sensations |
Based on published research, GritNGlide Relief Butter contains ingredients with documented anti-inflammatory properties. The scientific literature on these ingredients provides a strong foundation for understanding why we selected them. The formulation's multi-ingredient approach combines compounds that work through different mechanisms, potentially offering comprehensive benefits through their complementary actions.
The published evidence strongly influenced our decision to combine these specific ingredients, as each demonstrates legitimate anti-inflammatory benefits as documented in peer-reviewed research. While we cannot make claims about our finished product, we believe consumers deserve transparency about the extensive research that guided our formulation choices for our relief products.
Final Note: This analysis represents our interpretation of published scientific literature regarding individual ingredients. It explains our rationale for ingredient selection but does not constitute claims about our products' effects. GrainEase is committed to transparency by providing access to both manufacturer safety documentation and published research that informed our decisions.