Gattefossé has launched Solastemis, a plant-derived active ingredient to protect the skin against UV rays.
The new ingredient contains active molecules extracted from Sechium edule - also known as chayote - a fruit cultivated and manually harvested following zero-waste principles in Salazie on Réunion island.
Gattefossé says Solastemis acts at the heart of the epidermis mechanics by protecting the DNA of keratinocytes from lesions induced by UVA radiation and by boosting endogenous DNA repair system.
The active is claimed to preserve the stem cells of the epidermis ensuring proper homeostasis for the skin’s first line of defence while offering a shield for the dermal extra-cellular matrix by protecting key macromolecules (collagen, elastin) from degradation induced by solar exposure.
“One of the primary strengths of Solastemis is its ability to provide a biological protection against UVA-induced epidermal damage. UVA radiation strongly affects the epidermis, notably by affecting the self-renewal potential of keratinocyte stem-cells, thereby compromising the constant renewal of the epidermis,” said Boris Vogelgesang, R&D director of cosmetic actives.
“Solastemis has been shown in vitro to reduce oxidative stress within epidermal keratinocytes and to improve endogenous DNA repair system, both of which contribute to the preservation of epidermal self-renewal potential. Interestingly, it provides significant protection to the dermis as well making it a perfect solution for global photoprotection at epidermal and dermal level,” he added.
Solastemis was awarded the bronze award for the best cosmetic actives ingredient at in-cosmetics Global 2022 in Paris.
