Ashland recently launched its Nightessence (INCI: Butylene Glycol (and) Water (Aqua) (and) Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract) biofunctional, a natural extract from lavender flowers developed using plant RNA technology.

Related: RH During Sleep Affects Skin Condition

Nightessence is tailored to optimize the skin’s needs overnight and allow consumers to awaken with what Ashland calls a “reset” for the day ahead. The ingredient helps restore skin overnight to look rested, renewed and illuminated by morning.

“A recent Mintel study reports that 80% of women in France, Germany, Italy and Spain all agree that getting enough sleep is an important part of looking after their skin,” said Justine Cotton, global marketing manager and new business development for Ashland.

“Based on scientific research, Ashland has defined the biology of the skin at night as noctology, which describes the needs of skin through essential nocturnal processes and molecules for night repair of daily damage,” explains Joël Mantelin, vice president marketing and business development of Ashland.

Previously: Don't Sleep on Melatonin's Anti-Aging Benefits

“Nightessence biofunctional enhances skin’s naturally occurring nocturnal process, dysregulated by hectic lifestyles, visible light and sun, and helps skin boost essential nighttime molecules, such as timezyme and melatonin.”

The ingredient was clinically tested in a group of 36 Asian volunteers who worked night shifts or who stayed up very late. After using the product for one month, the volunteers claimed to see more rested skin with fewer dark circles.

The biofunctional also was eco-consciously designed to deliver effects from “field-to-skin.” According to the company, the Lavandula angustifolia plant is grown sustainably and extracted using green chemistry, respecting nature in its cultivation and harvesting techniques on the mountain slopes in Provence, France.

For more information, visit Ashland’s website.