Biotech firm DPP Technologies has rolled out its Skin By Noor brand Hypernatural Noorishing Serum with anti-aging benefits powered by the company's novel cosmetic ingredient: date palm pollen (DPP). Studies have reportedly validated the constituents of the DPP grain to provide protection against oxidative stress, UV radiation and microorganisms.
See related anti-gravity serum formula.
"We have conducted extensive research on DPP applications and uses," writes Rashad Tawashi, Ph.D., a pharmaceutical scientist behind the development of its application in skin care. "The data that we collected are present in 4 U.S. patents and 1 research publication." See below for additional research details.
Active Skin Care Constituents
Skin By Noor attributes DPP's activity to its high content of polyphenols, flavonoids (antioxidants), terpenoids (antimicrobials), fatty acids, amino acids, minerals (zinc, iron, manganese and other nutrients) and vitamins A (retinol), E and C. The company describes DPP as "a silver bullet in all-natural anti-aging and regenerative skin care," offering a multitude of desired effects with only one ingredient.
"Each pollen grain is essentially a tiny microcapsule that is loaded with bioactive constituents, designed by nature to protect and repair the most precious molecule in life — the DNA," the company explains. "On the skin, these grains act as an effective delivery system [for] these bioactive constituents."
Tawashi further explains, "The particle size of each pollen grain is about 24 microns. It has a narrow and uniform particle size distribution. It has an elliptical shape and characteristic surface geometry (see electron microscope photo). It is stable and survives for many years in the right conditions."
He added, "[T]he novelty of this pollen grain is that it is a natural microcapsule pre-loaded with 50+ known bioactive molecules. Many of these molecules have already been researched and identified as beneficial to the skin, [while] some of them are only recently emerging and being studied for their skin care benefits."
To ensure the stability of the active in skin care applications, Tawashi points to the surrounding formula. "The formula has been designed to stabilize the DPP grain in suspension," he writes. "The physical stabilization is achieved by the use of well-selected natural viscosity increasing agents in a hydrophobic formulation."
Date Palm Pollen's Rejuvenating History
Skin By Noor also highlights that DPP is the male reproductive cell of the date palm tree Phoenix dactylifera that has been used by ancient Egyptians for nutrition, fertility, rejuvenation, wellness and healing.
Fast-forward to today, Tawashi and Salma Hassouna, N.D., a naturopathic doctor, revived the ingredient to develop a proprietary anti-aging formulation.
Skin By Noor Noorishing Face Serum
The Skin by Noor Noorishing Face Serum is described as a luxurious, all-natural elixir designed to streamline skin care routines "with unparalleled efficacy." As stated, the formula harnesses "the power of a rare and exclusive ingredient, date palm pollen," which reportedly is only harvested during two-week window each year.
Users apply a thin layer to their cleansed face and décolletage for radiant results. It can be worn under makeup to elevate one's skin care regimen "to new heights of luxury."
Key benefits touted include:
- Moisturizing;
- Protecting;
- Toning;
- Brightening;
- Firming; and
- Transforming.
The product also is promoted as cruelty-free and naturally scented. It sells for US $150 (30 mL) on the company's website.
Ingredients: Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Phoenix Dactylifera Purified Pollen, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Beeswax, Cocoglycerides, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Lanolin, Amylopectin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax.
Extensive Research on DPP Efficacy
Tawashi outlined the studies demonstrating DPP's efficacy as follows.
Antiaging Features and Photoprotection
- Early studies have shown a remarkable decrease in skin dryness, fine lines and pore size. An evident decrease in dark spots and facial oil was also observed. Further data indicated that DPP protects from UVA and UVB radiation (in vitro testing). This data is present in U.S. Patent US 20130011349 A1, Topical Formulations Containing Palm Pollen (date published: 2013-01-10).
Radiation Protection/Anti-inflammatory
- To explain briefly, our studies on DPP demonstrated remarkable photoprotection and radiation protection from UV to X-rays to gamma radiation. You may refer to our publication on preventing oral mucositis (mouth sores) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment: Elkerm, Y. and Tawashi, R. (2014). Date palm pollen as a preventative intervention in radiation- and chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis: A pilot study. Integr Cancer Ther, Nov 13(6) 468-72); as well as U.S. Patent US 20150352170 A1, Palm Pollen For Treatment Of Mucositis And Inflammatory Conditions (date published: 2015-12-10).
Antimicrobial
- Data on the preservative action of DPP is present in U.S. Patent US 20230181452 A1, Preservative Compositions And Methods Of Use (date published: 2023-06-15). This data indicated that DPP acts as a natural preservative that can extend the shelf life of cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
DPP Bioactive Constituents
We also spoke of the bioactive constituents in DPP (polyphenol and flavonoid compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, phytosterols, amino acids, vitamins, volatile oils and fatty acids). This information is available in the literature. Here are a few key references:
- Manal, M., Abdel-Shaheed, Eveleen S. Abdalla, Ayman F. Khalil and Eshak M. El-Hadidy. (2021). Effect of Egyptian Date Palm Pollen (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and Its Hydroethanolic Extracts on Serum Glucose and Lipid Profiles in Induced Diabetic Rats. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 12(2).
- Al-Samarai, AH, Al-Salihi, FG, Al-Samaria, RR. (2016). Phytochemical constituents and nutrient evaluation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera, L.) pollen grains. Tikrit Journal of Pure Science 21 (1) ISSN: 1813 - 1662.
- Abbas, F.A. and Abdel-Monem, A. (2011 Aug). Estradiol, Esteriol, Estrone and Novel Flavonoids from Date Palm Pollen. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 5(8).
- H. Hassan. (2011). Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Palm Pollen Grains. Global Journal of Biotechnology & Biochemistry 6(1) 01-07.