Active Micro Technologies debuts lichen-based protective preservative
03 Nov 2022 --- Active Micro Technologies, a sister company of Active Concepts, is launching PhytoCide Lichen, a cosmetic preservative that upticks the demand for natural and clean alternatives. The ingredient also provides antioxidant and anti-aging benefits on a cellular level. As a result, the company is harnessing cosmetic functionality with antimicrobial activity.
The preservative sector has been described as “burgeoning with outstanding development” over the past few years due to the consumer demand for more environmentally sustainable solutions.
“This is why preservatives play an increasingly important role in cosmetic formulations; preservation is no longer thought of as the final stage in the formulation process, but rather as a need that can serve several purposes and improve formulae cosmetic properties,” comments Raphaëlle Tron, marketing manager Europe at Active Concepts.
Defensive compounds
PhytoCide Lichen is derived from Cladonia Rangiferina, commonly called “reindeer lichen,” based on the reindeer that consumes it.
Usnic acid helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and cell aging.
Lichen is neither a plant nor animal but a symbiosis between fungi and algae.
In defense against herbivores and protection in harsh living environments, the reindeer lichen produces and collects a variety of phenolic secondary chemicals, such as usnic acid, explains Active Micro Technologies.
Research highlights that phenolic chemicals can provide antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, to name a few.
Usnic acid’s antioxidant benefits
A review under the National Library of Medicine explains that usnic acid has been utilized for medicinal, perfumery, cosmetic and ecological applications.
“Usnic acid as a pure substance has been formulated in creams, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants and sunscreen products – in some cases as an active principle and in others as a preservative. In addition to antimicrobial activity against human and plant pathogens, usnic acid has been shown to exhibit antiviral, antiprotozoal, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity,” continues the review.
Active Micro Technologies adds that with usnic acid’s antioxidant capabilities, this new active will also help protect the skin from oxidative stress and cell aging.
The usnic acid provides broad-spectrum protection for cosmetic applications with good compliance in anionic systems, says the company.
Researched and tested
The recent study carried out by Active Micro Technologies found that PhytoCide Lichen exhibited more significant antioxidant activity than 200 micrometre Trolox, a water-soluble vitamin E analog with antioxidant capabilities.
“Fibroblasts treated with PhytoCide Lichen at 0.01%, 0.1% and 1% exhibited a reduction in oxidative stress levels compared to fibroblasts exposed to AntA,” shares the company.
Lichen is neither a plant nor animal but a symbiosis between fungi and algae.
The positive MIC screening results warranted further testing to confirm its ability to provide product preservation, it states.
Multifunctional solutions in the spotlight
The consequences of environmentally unsustainable skincare and sunscreen products are compelling the development of eco-friendly alternatives.
PersonalCareInsights recently spoke with an executive from Germany-based Lignopure who spotlights the company’s upcycled LignoBase line and what impact it will have on the cosmetic industry.
Moreover, a study on several applications of seaweed highlighted uses for cosmetics, such as antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant applications.
In April, Active Concepts launched the Social Renaissance prototype kit, combining makeup with skincare. The kit resulted from COVID-19-related increase in consumer demand for multifunctional makeup.
By Venya Patel
