Natures Crops' Alternative Plant Omegas + Meadowfoam Blend Promotes Healthy Skin Aging

Ahiflower oil is a clinically-researched dietary alternative to marine and algal omega-3 oils, supporting a healthy inflammatory response and gut microbiome wellness.
Ahiflower oil is a clinically-researched dietary alternative to marine and algal omega-3 oils, supporting a healthy inflammatory response and gut microbiome wellness.
Photo 221950650 © Maryna Lipatova | Dreamstime.com

Natures Crops International has developed Natralipid Advanced Omega Complex (INCI: Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil (and) Buglossoides Arvensis (Ahiflower) Seed Oil), a fully traceable, 100% plant-based oil blend to topically moisturize and smooth skin—reducing the appearance of fine lines while supporting overall healthy aging.

The ingredient is based on the company's Ahiflower ingredient, which Natures Crops International grows regeneratively and exclusively in the UK. The oil has been shown, as an ingestible, to support a healthy inflammatory response and gut microbiome wellness. It is rich in ALA, SDA and GLA fatty acids and serves as a dietary alternative to marine and algal omega-3 oils.

The Natralipid Advanced Omega Complex joins the benefits of meadowfoam seed oils, with its combination of C20 and C22 long-chain fatty acids, with this source of plant-derived omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for high emolliency. The resulting complex reportedly provides a novel active with excellent stability and sensory properties.

To assess the benefits of the complex in skin, the company commissioned third-party studies.

In Vitro

An in vitro study by Pharmaline Ltd. in human dermal fibroblast skin cells found the Natralipid oil complex significantly inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by 36% (p < 0.01), demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect.

Natralipid also significantly increased aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) expression by 180% (p < 0.01). The expression level of AQP-3, a water channel widely distributed in skin cells, correlates with increased moisture supply to support skin smoothing and moisturizing effects.

Additionally, Natralipid showed cytoprotective activity. Cell damage induced by hydrogen peroxide or LPS toxicity was protected by 35% (p < 0.01 and < 0.05).

Finally, in a controlled human dermal cell physical disruption assay, the complex promoted increased cell differentiation after 48 hr.

Anti-Aging Trial

Researchers at the Korean Dermatology Research Institute (KORI) studied the effects of a 5% active serum using Natralipid Advanced Omega Complex in 20 female and 1 male volunteer for 4 weeks. Assessments were made on days 0, 14 and 28 for skin irritancy, in a patch test; wrinkles and skin roughness in the eye and mouth areas, with Antera 3D and Primos-CR, respectively; and eye and mouth area moisturization, with a corneometer.

Previously: Review Explores Skin Microbiome, Aging/Health Connections and Testing Challenges

KORI concluded treatment with the 5% active serum containing Natralipid Advanced Omega Complex significantly decreased eye and mouth wrinkles and increased moisturization. Skin roughness in these areas also was improved. No adverse reactions were observed during the testing period, demonstrating the active to be safe for topical use.

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