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Cosmetic Peat
Association

Research Library

107 sources on peat in medicine and cosmetics — peer-reviewed papers, clinical studies, reviews, conference material, and expert opinion. Not every source here is peer-reviewed; each entry's study type and evidence grade are shown below.

Evidence grades: A = systematic review/meta-analysis, B = controlled study, C = observational/review/expert opinion, D = uncontrolled or unpublished/non-peer-reviewed data
2026

Turba väärindamine meditsiini, taastusravi ja kosmeetikatööstuse toormena (Valorization of peat as raw material for medicine, rehabilitation, and cosmetics industry)

Hinn, Helena
cohort Grade C Rae Gümnaasium (supervised by Anneli Kontson and Mall Orru, Tallinn University of Technology)
2026

Лечебные грязи: особенности морфогенеза и современные технологии применения в клинической практике (Peloids: morphogenetic characteristics and modern application technologies in clinical practice)

Kulikov, A.G.
review Grade B Russian Journal of Physiotherapy, Balneology and Rehabilitation
2026

Integrated safety and microbiota profiling of fulvic acid formulations across in vitro and in vivo models

Szwed-Georgiou, A., Płociński, P., Włodarczyk, M. et al.
in-vitro Grade B Scientific Reports
2025

Relevance of balneotherapy for back pain — a systematic literature review covering the past 5 years

Crevenna, Richard, Scheifinger, M.
review Grade B Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift
2025

Biomedical Applications of Humic Substances: From Natural Biopolymers to Therapeutic Agents

Gvozdeva, Y., Peneva, P., Katsarov, P.
review Grade B Antioxidants
2025

Relevance of balneotherapy for osteoarthritis — a systematic literature review covering the past 5 years

Keilani, Mohammad, Scheifinger, Julian, Crevenna, Richard
review Grade A Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift
2025

Balneotherapy in dermatology and rheumatology: a systematic review

Kiereta, K., Cichowska, Z., Chmielowiec, L. et al.
review Grade D Quality in Sport
2025

Development of a microalgal peloid for thermotherapeutic uses

Mourelle, M. Lourdes, Gómez, Carmen P., Martín de la Cruz, M.C. et al.
cohort Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2025

Neuroimmunomodulation induced by mud-bath therapy: clinical benefits and bioregulation of the innate immune response

Ortega-Collazos, Eduardo, Otero, Eduardo, Torres-Piles, Silvia et al.
cohort Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2025

Microvascular Responses in the Dermis and Muscles After Balneotherapy: Results from a Prospective Pilot Histological Study

Surdu, Traian Virgiliu
cohort Grade B Water
2024

Potential Possibilities of Using Peat, Humic Substances, and Sulfurous Waters in Cosmetology

Błońska-Sikora, Ewelina, Klimek-Szczykutowicz, M.
review Grade B Applied Sciences
2024

Advances in modern Balneology: new evidence-based indications from recent studies

Fioravanti, Antonella, Antonelli, M.
review Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2024

Balneotherapy and thermal resort in dermatology

Gębka-Adamczyk, N., Głogowska-Szeląg, J., Adamczyk, J. et al.
review Grade D Acta Balneologica
2024

Sphagnum cuspidatulum extract prevents acute kidney injury induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin via alleviation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in pre-diabetic rats

Laorodphun, Pongrapee, Chaisen, Sutheera, Amattat, Sarocha et al.
in-vivo Grade B Frontiers in Pharmacology
2024

Peloids in Skin Care and Cosmeceuticals

Mourelle, M., Gómez, C.P.
review Grade B Cosmetics
2024

Microbiological and Physicochemical Analysis of Therapeutic Peat from Baikalsko Deposit, Radomir Municipality

Chipilska, L., Burnaska, Ir.
in-vitro Grade B
2024

Balneotherapy (Mud-Bath Therapy) with a Peloid Enriched with Rosmarinic Acid Enhances Clinical Outcomes and Innate Immune Benefits in Elderly Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

Ortega-Collazos, Eduardo, Hinchado, María Dolores, Otero, Eduardo et al.
cohort Grade B Applied Sciences
2024

Balneotherapy using thermal mineral water baths and dermatological diseases: a systematic review

Protano, C., Vitali, M.
review Grade A International Journal of Biometeorology
2023

In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of a Dual-Targeted Nanoemulsion Gel for the Amelioration of Psoriasis

Khan, R., Mirza, M.A., Aqil, M. et al.
in-vivo Grade C Gels
2023

Ресурсосберегающие методики пелоидотерапии в реабилитации пациентов после микродискэктомии (Resource-saving peloidotherapy techniques in rehabilitation of patients after microdiscectomy)

Kulikov, A.G., Gaidukova, T.Yu., Lvova, N.V.
rct Grade B Russian Journal of Physiotherapy, Balneology and Rehabilitation
2023

Thermal Therapy Modulation of the Psoriasis-Associated Skin and Gut Microbiome

Manara, Serena, Beghini, Francesco, Masetti, Giulia et al.
cohort Grade B Dermatology and Therapy
2023

Fulvic Acid Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis by Downregulating CCL17/22

Wu, C., Lyu, A., Shan, S.
in-vivo Grade C Molecules
2022

Biological Activity of Fulvic Acid: Prospects of Application in Medicine

Benderskiy, N.S., Safronenko, A.V., Kudelina, O.M. et al.
review Grade C Journal Biomed (Биомедицина)
2022

Efficacy of hydrotherapy, spa therapy, and balneotherapy for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: a systematic review

Jazani, Arezoo Moini, Ayati, Mohammad Hossein
review Grade A International Journal of Dermatology
2022

Comparison of the efficacy of mud-pack and hot-pack treatments in chronic non-specific neck pain

Karaarslan, F., Yılmaz, H., Akkurt, H.E. et al.
rct Grade B Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2022

Evaluation of Healing Effects of Poultice Containing 0.5% Fulvic Acid on Male White-Male Rats with Skin Ulcer

Samiee-Rad, F., Hosseini Sedighi, S.F., Taherkhani, A. et al.
in-vivo Grade C Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
2022

Bioprospecting for Microorganisms in Peloids — Extreme Environment Known for Its Healing Properties

Vadlja, Denis, Bujak, Maro, Čož-Rakovac, Rozelindra et al.
review Grade C Frontiers in Marine Science
2022

Anti-inflammatory activity and potential dermatological applications of characterized humic acids from a lignite and a green compost

Verrillo, M., Parisi, M., Savy, D. et al.
in-vitro Grade C Scientific Reports
2021

Clinical efficacy of medical hydrology: an umbrella review

Antonelli, M., Donelli, D.
meta-analysis Grade A International Journal of Biometeorology
2021

Effectiveness of peloid therapy in patients with chronic low back pain: a single-blind controlled study

Karaarslan, F., Yılmaz, H., Akkurt, H.E. et al.
rct Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2021

From in vitro research to real life studies: an extensive narrative review of the effects of balneotherapy on human immune response

Maccarone, M., Magro, G.
review Grade B Sport Sciences for Health
2021

Peloids as Thermotherapeutic Agents

Maraver, F., Armijo, F.
review Grade B International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
2021

Mud therapy and rehabilitation - scientific relevance in the last six years (2015-2020): Systematic literature review and meta-analysis based on the PRISMA paradigm

Munteanu, Constantin, Rotariu, Mariana, Dogaru, Gabriela et al.
meta-analysis Grade A Balneo and PRM Research Journal
2021

Efficacy of Balneotherapy and Mud Therapy in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Literature Review

Raza, H.M.A., Krutulyte, G., Rimdeikiene, I. et al.
review Grade B Aktuelle Rheumatologie
2020

A comprehensive analysis to understand the mechanism of action of balneotherapy: why, how, and where they can be used? Evidence from in vitro studies performed on human and animal samples

Cheleschi, S., Gallo, I.
review Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2020

Mosses in biotechnology

Decker, E.L., Reski, R.
review Grade C Current Opinion in Biotechnology
2020

Central European ethnomedical and officinal uses of peat

Drobnik, J., Stebel, A.
review Grade C
2020

Peloid therapy for dermatological conditions

Gams, A.
review Grade B
2020

Peat Therapeutics and Balneotherapy

Groven, Mark
review Grade B
2020

Nordic Beauty® Peat — Technical Dossier (Identity Sheet, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, Applications Sheet)

The Innovation Company
case-study Grade D
2020

Overview of Systematic Reviews with Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials of Balneotherapy and Spa Therapy from 2000 to 2019

Kamioka, H., Nobuoka, S.
meta-analysis Grade A International Journal of General Medicine
2020

Effect of Peat Intervention on Pain and Gait in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Study

Kim, M., Lee, K.H., Han, S.H. et al.
rct Grade A Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
2020

Application of topical peloid-derived humic acid suppresses allergic contact dermatitis

Zhernov, Y.V.
in-vivo Grade C World Allergy Organization Journal
2019

The effect of balneotherapy and peloid therapy on changes in the functional state of patients with knee joint osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, single-blind pilot study

Varzaityte, L., Kubilius, R.
rct Grade A International Journal of Biometeorology
2018

Efficacy of Spa Therapy, Mud-Pack Therapy, Balneotherapy, and Mud-Bath Therapy in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis. A Systematic Review

Fraioli, Antonio, Mennuni, Gioacchino, Fontana, Mario et al.
review Grade B BioMed Research International
2018

Balneotherapy, Immune System, and Stress Response: A Hormetic Strategy?

Gálvez, I., Torres-Piles, S.
review Grade B International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2018

Evaluation of the Role of Balneotherapy in Rehabilitation Medicine

Matsumoto, S.
review Grade D Journal of Nippon Medical School
2018

Therapeutic potential of fulvic acid in chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes

Winkler, J., Ghosh, S.
review Grade B Journal of Diabetes Research
2017

The role of mineral elements and other chemical compounds used in balneology: data from double-blind randomized clinical trials

Morer, C., Roques, C.-F., Françon, A. et al.
meta-analysis Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2017

Balneological Outpatient Treatment for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis; an Effective Non-Drug Therapy Option in Daily Routine?

Özkuk, K., Gürdal, H., Karagülle, M. et al.
rct Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2015

Topical antifungals for seborrhoeic dermatitis

Okokon, Enembe O., Verbeek, Jos H., Ruotsalainen, Jani H. et al.
meta-analysis Grade A Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
2015

Method for extraction of peat active substances and use of their combination in skin regenerating cosmetic formulations

Silamikele, B., Ramata-Stunda, A., Muiznieks, I.
other Grade C European Patent Application EP 2 878 342 A1
2015

Microbiological characterization and sterilization-induced changes in the profile of the hydrophobic organic substances in Latvian balneological peat

Ramata-Stunda, A., Petriņa, Z.
cohort Grade B International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
2015

The anti-inflammatory properties of humic substances: A mini review

van Rensburg, Constance E.J.
review Grade A University of Pretoria repository (review article)
2014

Fulvic acid as mineral transporter in biological systems

Pant, K.
review Grade C
2013

Peloidtherapie: Ein Überblick zur Empirie und Evidenz am Beispiel der Heiltorftherapie

Beer, A.-M., Fetaj, S., Lange, U.
review Grade B Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie
2013

Evidence-based hydro- and balneotherapy in Hungary — a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bender, T., Bálint, G.
meta-analysis Grade A International Journal of Biometeorology
2013

Peloids and pelotherapy: Historical evolution, classification and glossary

Gomes, C., Carretero, M.I.
review Grade B Applied Clay Science
2013

The effect of Neydharting mud-pack therapy on knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, double-blind follow-up pilot study

Tefner, Ildikó Katalin, Gaál, Ramóna, Koroknai, András et al.
rct Grade A Rheumatology International
2013

Ülevaade raviturbast ja turbaravist (Review of therapeutic peat and peat therapy)

Übner, Monika
review Grade C University of Tartu, Pärnu College — Health Resort Laboratory
2013

Expert Opinion on Estonian Balneological Peat

Übner, Monika
other Grade C University of Tartu Pärnu College, Health Resort Laboratory
2012

Use of Peat as an Organic Raw Material

Bambalov, N.N.
review Grade C Solid Fuel Chemistry
2012

Peat for Hair Treatment

Bovcon, Maria Laura, Cisterna, Miguel
case-study Grade D
2012

Kylpyturpeen ominaisuudet ja laatusuositukset Suomessa (Characteristics and the quality guidelines of balneological peat in Finland)

Korhonen, R.
cohort Grade C Suo — Mires and Peat (Finnish Peatland Society)
2012

Comparing the Efficacy of Mature Mud-Pack and Hot-Pack Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

Sarsan, A., Akkaya, N., Özgen, M. et al.
rct Grade B Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
2012

The UV-B protective effect of humic substances provide the basis for the development of a peat lipstick

Seel, Y., Guhr, M., Klöcking, R. et al.
in-vitro Grade D 14th International Peat Congress — Extended Abstract No. 344
2011

Chemical properties of peat in three peatlands with balneological potential in Estonia

Orru, Mall, Übner, Monika, Orru, Hans
in-vitro Grade C Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences
2010

Physical and chemical properties of Estonian balneological peat

Orru, Mall
cohort Grade B 8th International Symposium 'Topical Problems in the Field of Electrical and Power Engineering', Pärnu, Estonia
2009

Efficacy of a Peat and Salsobromoiodic Water Mask in the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Face

Pedrinazzi, C., Andreoli, S., Battistini, E. et al.
rct Grade B Journal of Plastic Dermatology
2009

Chemical properties of peat used in balneology

Szajdak, L., Hado, E.
review Grade B
2009

Peat: A Natural Source for Dermatocosmetics and Dermatotherapeutics

Uwe Wollina
review Grade B Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
2008

Chemical character of humic acids isolated from raised bog

Gierlach-Hładoń, T., Szajdak, L.
in-vitro Grade D Proceedings of the 13th International Peat Congress (Peat Balneology section)
2008

In vitro investigations on the effect of peat humic substances on inflammation

Klöcking, R., Junek, R., Kleiner, C. et al.
in-vitro Grade C Proceedings of the 13th International Peat Congress (Peat Balneology section)
2008

Research Quality Guidelines and Use of Balneological Peat

Korhonen, R.
cohort Grade C Proceedings of the 13th International Peat Congress
2007

The efficacy of balneotherapy and mud-pack therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Evcik, D., Kavuncu, V., Yeter, A. et al.
rct Grade B Joint Bone Spine
2007

Effectiveness of Peloid Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Karagülle, M., Karagülle, M.Z.
rct Grade A Rheumatology International
2007

Eesti turba balneoloogiliste kasutamisvõimaluste uuring (III etapp) — Study of Balneological Uses of Estonian Peat (Stage III)

Orru, M., Orru, H., Tuulik, V.-R. et al.
cohort Grade C Estonian Geological Survey (Eesti Geoloogiakeskus)
2007

Water-extractable humic substances alter root development and epidermal cell pattern in Arabidopsis

Schmidt, W., Santi, S., Pinton, R. et al.
in-vitro Grade C Plant and Soil
2007

Inhibitory Effect of Fulvic Acid Extracted from Canadian Sphagnum Peat on Chemical Mediator Release by RBL-2H3 and KU812 Cells

Parida Yamada, Hiroko Isoda, Jun Kyu Han et al.
in-vitro Grade B Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
2006

HPLC determination of phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in concentrated peat extract — a natural immunomodulator

Tarnawski, M., Depta, K., Grejciun, D. et al.
in-vitro Grade B Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
2005

Medical aspects and applications of humic substances

Klöcking, R., Helbig, B.
review Grade B Biopolymers for Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications (Wiley-VCH)
2005

Balneological Researches of Lehtosuo Mire in Ähtäri

Korhonen, R.
case-study Grade D Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) — client research report
2005

Clinical observations of peat bath therapy effects on psoriatic patients

Leibaschoff, G.
cohort Grade C
2005

Balneotherapy in medicine: A review

Nasermoaddeli, Ali, Kagamimori, Sadanobu
review Grade B Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine
2005

Eesti turba balneoloogiliste kasutamisvõimaluste uuring (II etapp) — Study of Balneological Uses of Estonian Peat (Stage II)

Orru, M.
cohort Grade C Estonian Geological Survey (Eesti Geoloogiakeskus)
2005

Zinc and skin health: overview of physiology and pharmacology

Schwartz, J.R.
review Grade B Dermatologic Surgery
2004

Sulfur in dermatological therapy

Gupta, A.K.
review Grade B
2004

Transdermal magnesium absorption from bath preparations

Waring, R.H.
cohort Grade C
2003

Comparative Study of the Thermal Properties of Mud and Peat Solutions Applied in Clinical Practice

Beer, A., Grozeva, A.
cohort Grade B
2003

Evaluation of the permeation of peat substances through human skin in vitro

Beer, André-M., Junginger, H.E., Lukanov, J. et al.
in-vitro Grade A International Journal of Pharmaceutics
2003

Balneotherapy in dermatology

Matz, H., Orion, E.
review Grade B Dermatologic Therapy
2002

Therapy with Mud Compresses for Knee Osteoarthritis: Comparison of Natural Mud Preparations with Mineral-Depleted Mud

Flusser, D., Abu-Shakra, M., Friger, M. et al.
rct Grade A Journal of Clinical Rheumatology
2002

Investigation of the Anti-HIV Properties of Oxihumate

van Rensburg, C.E.J., Dekker, J., Weis, R. et al.
in-vitro Grade C Chemotherapy
2001

The cosmetic use of an ancient peat of thermal origin

Morganti, P., Agostini, G., Fabrizi, G.
rct Grade B Journal of Applied Cosmetology
2000

The influence of fulvic and ulmic acids from peat on the spontaneous contractile activity of smooth muscles

Beer, A.-M., Lukanov, J., Sagorchev, P.
in-vitro Grade B Phytomedicine
2000

The Research on Antioxidative Properties of TOŁPA Peat Preparation and Its Fractions

Piotrowska, D., Długosz, A., Witkiewicz, K. et al.
in-vitro Grade C Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica
2000

An in vitro investigation of the antimicrobial activity of oxifulvic acid

van Rensburg, C.E.J., van Straten, A., Dekker, J.
in-vitro Grade C Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
1996

Structure-antioxidant activity relationships of flavonoids and phenolic acids

Rice-Evans, C.A., Miller, N.J., Paganga, G.
review Grade A Free Radical Biology and Medicine
1994

Balneology and spa treatments in dermatology: The european point of view

Lotti, T., Freedman, D.
review Grade D Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (JEADV)
1994

Humus Chemistry: Genesis, Composition, Reactions

Stevenson, F.J.
review Grade A Wiley (book, 2nd edition)
1993

Effect of Tołpa Peat Preparation on Some Immune Parameters in Healthy Volunteers. Preliminary Data

Baj, Z., Zeman, K., Sułowska, Z. et al.
cohort Grade C Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica
1993

Systemic Toxicity and Dermal Irritation of Tołpa Peat Preparation

Czyzewska-Szafran, H., Jastrzebski, Z., Sołtysiak-Pawluczuk, D. et al.
in-vitro Grade C Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica
1993

Tołpa Torf Preparation (TTP) Induces Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor Production in Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes

Inglot, A.D., Zielińska-Jenczylik, J., Piasecki, E.
in-vitro Grade C Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis
1992

Humic substances and associated small molecules from peats in balneology

Flaig, W.
review Grade B Science of The Total Environment
1991

Lindow man, Tollund man and other peat-bog bodies: the preservative and antimicrobial action of sphagnan, a reactive glycuronoglycan with tanning and sequestering properties

Painter, T.J.
review Grade B Carbohydrate Polymers
1991

Antimicrobial properties of tannins

Scalbert, A.
review Grade B Phytochemistry
1978

Studies on the antimicrobial effect of natural and synthetic humic acids

Ansorg, R., Rochus, W.
in-vitro Grade B Arzneimittel-Forschung