Discover an innovative approach to effective moisturisation at in-cosmetics 2011 with Croda’s new moisturising complex, DuraQuench IQ. Its dual mechanism optimises skin moisturisation by the formation of an intelligent structural layer on the surface of the skin, while regulating water loss from within by reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier.
A significant amount of research and evaluation was undertaken to support the claims of DuraQuench IQ. Its ability to significantly improve the visual signs of skin dryness was evident in the results of a panellist Moisture Efficacy Test (MET), which showed how a DuraQuench IQ formulation improved skin dryness versus a control formulation. In the regression phase where panellists stopped applying the test formulations, the skin treated with DuraQuench IQ remained significantly more moisturised than the skin treated with the control formulation on days 1, 2 and 3. Not only did these tests demonstrate the superior moisturising benefits of DuraQuench IQ compared to control, they also proved that it performs at a significantly faster rate throughout the treatment phase, demonstrating that DuraQuench IQ imparts quick and long lasting hydration to the skin, which continues even when it is no longer applied.
DuraQuench IQ also improves inherent skin barrier function both during application and in the regression phase. This was proven in a further MET study where Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) readings showed a significant reduction in water loss following the application of a formulation incorporating DuraQuench IQ compared to a control formulation. Adhesive D-Squame discs were also used in this study to measure superficial skin dryness. The results showed a significant difference between the DuraQuench IQ and control formulation during the treatment phase and in the regression phase. This is explained by the tight lateral packing of membranes in the residual phase of DuraQuench IQ, which very effectively controls water loss.
In order to prove how DuraQuench IQ can impart temperature and humidity responsive properties for optimised moisturisation benefits, a thin film of the DuraQuench IQ and control formulations were dried onto a porous skin substitute (Vitro-corneum). Samples were analysed using the Water Vapour Transport Rate (WVTR) method and the results showed that DuraQuench IQ is able to regulate the level of water that evaporates at varying levels of humidity and it also reduced water loss significantly compared to the control.
In order to evaluate consumer perception of DuraQuench IQ, a panel study was carried where panellists were asked to complete a pre- and post-study questionnaire. The results of the study showed that 71% of panellists preferred the formulation containing DuraQuench IQ, commenting that they observed a significant improvement in skin smoothness and skin radiance versus a control formulation, which can be directly linked to its proven skin hydration benefits as the amount of light absorbed or scattered by the skin increases with hydration.
