Full Circle’s Barley TONIQ (INCI: Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract (and) Propanediol) is developed utilizing an enzymatic extraction to ferment barley in order to create a skin-soothing active that rebalances irritated skin.
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With a single application, Barley TONIQ was reportedly found to soothe skin redness by up to 23% in just 2 hr. Given its potency, the active ingredient can be incorporated into skin care formulations at use levels as low as 1%.
According to the company, the active’s soothing action is attributed to its high amino acid content, made possible by green enzyme extraction. The result is a concentrated mixture of carbohydrates, short-chain proteins and polypeptides—data revealed that Barley TONIQ comprises 8 of the 9 essential amino acids that are known to help reduce the appearance of irritated skin and boost the skin’s barrier function.
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Additionally, the ingredient is preserved with a microbiome-friendly grade of propanediol, which comes from an upcycled, non-GMO feedstock.
Full Circle is working on expanding the TONIQ range, comprised of upcycled ingredients, even further this year.
“We’re pleased to have found such an exceptional source of brewery leftovers which are rich in amino acids and other beneficial nutrients,” said Harry McIlwraith, general manager at Full Circle. “It demonstrates that we simply don’t need to create brand new supply chains to create quality, high performing ingredients—instead, we can upcycle perfectly good plant leftovers that would otherwise go to waste.”
