Ultra Chemical highlights Bicotene Natural, a natural-origin delivery system designed to stabilize and target beta-carotene, a pro-retinol precursor, to specific skin layers.
Improving Stability and Penetration
As the company explains, beta-carotene alone is unstable and degrades quickly when exposed to UV radiation. The Bicosome Natural (INCI: Aqua (and) Lecithin (and) Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine (and) Lysolecithin (and) Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract (and) Beta-Carotene) technology improves stability through double encapsulation.
This enhances skin penetration, delivering up to eight times more beta-carotene to the epidermis compared to standard liposome systems, per the company.
Doubling Up for Targeted Delivery
More specifically, the double encapsulation system consists of two lipid assemblies: internal smart discs carrying the active ingredient and an external lipid vesicle that encloses these discs.
The vesicle transports the smart discs through the narrow spaces of the stratum corneum to the target skin layer. The smart discs are designed to interact with the environment of specific skin layers to ensure delivery of the active where it is needed.
Skin, Color and Sun Care
According to the company, Bicotene Natural can be used in skin and color cosmetics as well as sun care products. Its functions include:
- antioxidant activity,
- UVA/UVB protection and
- support for youthful skin appearance.
Recommended usage level is 1–3%. The ingredient is also compliant with global cosmetic regulations, including those in China.
