The newest biotech-derived, sustainably sourced skin care ingredient from Lubrizol Life Science-Beauty (LLS Beauty) is, in fact, ancient—or at least, its likeness is. The company has launched Uniclay (INCI: Glycerin (and) Water (Aqua) (and) Bacillus Ferment), an extract obtained from a microorganism isolated in clay, whose purpose is to mimick the positive effects of a clay mask on skin.
Developed by Lipotec Active Ingredients, the extract is designed to create cleaner, smoother and healthier skin, much like clay has done since time immemoriam. According to the company, the ingredient mimicks the many wellness benefits of clay, including improved cellular metabolism and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.
“LLS Beauty is excited to be able to bring the benefits of clay treatments to consumers in an eco-conscious, sustainable way,” said Elena Cañadas, global marketing director for LLS Beauty. “With the growing trend in clean beauty and consumers of all ethnicities looking for simple ways to enhance their well-being, Uniclay biotech ingredient is an ideal choice to meet those goals.”
Sustainably sourced near a wetland in Catalonia, Spain, this ingredient has shown multiple benefits in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, a 6.6% decrease in red spots was observed after 28 days of treatment with 2% of the active. In 14 days, a cream containing the active at 3% increased, by 9.5% and 13.5%, respectively, the smoothness and softness of skin. It also reduced porphyrins by 50.7%.
A third clinical test was designed such that participants answered questions about their appearance while standing in front of a mirror at the beginning and end of the study. Responses were evaluated for vocal intensity and tone, demonstrating stress levels about their appearance, and words used to describe their appearance.
Compared with the results from a benchmark clay mask, enhancements of both well-being and self-perception were similar when using the Uniclay biotech ingredient. Based on these studies, the ingredient is suggested for skin care creams for face and body, not only enhancing skin properties, but also boosting well-being and self-perception in an eco-friendly way.
For more information, visit the Lipotec website.
