Ashland Specialty Ingredients has announced a novel approach to help boost coenzyme Q10 production in skin cells. Using a specially bioengineered peptide, Ashland showed in vitro that the technology boosts endogenous synthesis of coenzyme Q10, the powerful antioxidant recognised as an effective ingredient against premature skin ageing.
A double-blind clinical study against a placebo cream showed that Ashland’s Peptide Q10 biofunctional helps to reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines when used at just 0.5% concentration. The new technology represents a breakthrough alternative to traditional application of coenzyme Q10, where external delivery may not fully restore this lipid-soluble substance within the epidermal layer of skin. According to Joel Mantelin, global marketing director, Skin Care, Care Specialties, Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Peptide Q10 biofunctional builds upon Ashland’s approach to ‘dialing in’ skin care benefits with biofunctional ingredients created specifically for use in conventional creams and lotions. “This ingredient is a complementary, anti-ageing skin care strategy to traditional application of coenzyme Q10,” he said. “In rethinking CoQ10 with a biological approach, Peptide Q10 biofunctional represents a major boost in anti-ageing skin care formulating, a truly viable strategy for countering the age-related decline of endogenous CoQ10.” According to Mantelin, addressing an agerelated decline in coenzyme Q10 levels with a peptide bioengineered specifically for creams and lotions will serve as the basis for many innovative product forms. “It is estimated that CoQ10 levels may diminish with ageing by as much as 75% in the epidermis of people between the ages of 30 and 80,” he explained. “This dramatic decline is known to handicap the antioxidant defense capability of cells and impede their ability to produce energy.” “With a peptide bioengineered to help boost endogenous synthesis of coenzyme Q10 in vitro, formulators of skin creams and lotions now have the capability to formulate products with distinct benefits, such as CoQ10 booster, antioxidant builder and as a tool to minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.” “Adopting a new approach to boosting the presence of CoQ10, skin care formulators may advance the capabilities of skin care products to a level far beyond what was possible only a few years ago,” Mantelin added.
