PhytoGaia creates multifunctional plant-based squalene and tocotrienol complex

12 Jun 2023 --- Malaysia-based tocotrienols and tocopherol complex developer PhytoGaia has created a synergistic complex of natural plant squalene and tocotrienol complex, two key nutricosmetic active ingredients, for oral care and topical skin beauty.

The complex has the added benefit of serving as a skin nutrition product for healthy aging and improved hair health. STGaia is a phytonutrient complex consisting of natural plant squalene and full spectrum tocotrienol (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol) complex (touted as super vitamin E) extracted from virgin palm fruit, Elaeis guineensis. This maintains its natural integrity and composition. 

“Unlike the conventional palm phytonutrients, the unique attributes and advancement that PhytoGaia brings to brand owners are that STGaia is naturally extracted from palm fruits without the use of solvents and chemicals,” Dr. Ariati Aris, scientific affairs specialist at PhytoGaia, tells PersonalCareInsights.

“The entire extraction of STGaia only involves physical processes, which allows brands to capitalize on the clean label claim.”

The branded ingredient with proprietary science can be used as an oil suspension, bio-enhanced, self-emulsifying delivery liquid suspension, water-soluble powder and beadlets. 

This functionality allows brand owners to formulate STGaia into their new product development formulation or reformulate existing products for dietary supplements and natural skin care products.

Zero contaminantsOral treatment with tocotrienol has favorable outcomes for wound healing.
Another advancement in the production process is the elimination of contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins, benzo[a]pyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are found in regular oil extracts. 

“PhytoGaia’s STGaia also meets the EU’s legislative safety limit for these POPs. Brand owners in the US and other parts of the world are beginning to insist on these guarantees as part of the contractual specification,” explains Aris.

Squalene and tocotrienol provide complementary benefits for personal care for next-level topical and oral cosmeceuticals and skin care. Squalene is known for its moisturizing and skin-smoothing qualities and plays an essential role in topically applied formulations for preventing moisture loss, anti-aging and UV protection. 

Tocotrienol, a “super vitamin E” derived from palm oil, possesses antioxidant, anti-aging and hair health properties. Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals, reducing the risk of premature aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.

Topical and oral treatment with tocotrienol has resulted in favorable outcomes for wound healing, suppressing hypertrophic scar fibroblasts and indicating its potential role in scar treatment. Tocotrienol can also stimulate the growth of hair follicles, which means that it can enrich the skin’s stem cell reserves.

Cruelty-free cosmetics
In the current cosmetic market environment, plant-derived squalene is considered more important than shark liver oil, according to PhytoGaia. 

“Firstly, obtaining squalene from shark liver oil harms shark populations and disrupts marine ecosystems, while plant sources can be sustainably cultivated,” Bryan See, VP at PhytoGaia, tells PersonalCareInsights. “Secondly, shark populations have slow growth and reproductive rates, making it difficult to recover from overfishing.” 

Plant-based sources, in contrast, are readily available and can be harvested without depleting species. Ethically, using shark liver oil raises concerns about animal welfare due to inhumane fishing practices. 

“Plant-derived squalene offers consistent quality and availability and can be modified to optimize desired properties, making it a responsible and sustainable choice for various industries. Consumers increasingly prioritize natural and plant-based ingredients in their personal care products. Palm squalene and tocotrienol, derived from palm oil,” says See.

Consumer demand has had a major influence on innovation in the personal care space. As a result, companies are pressed to develop sustainable options featuring plant-based ingredients and responsibly sourced materials. 

“There is a growing demand for cruelty-free, fair trade and ethically sourced ingredients. In response, companies have sought alternative sourcing methods to replace ingredients obtained through practices that harm animals. This demand has driven innovation to find new, ethical sources of ingredients,” See explains. 

Health conscious innovationDue to the high level of antioxidants in STGaia the signs of premature signs of aging are reduced. 
STGaia was developed to meet consumer demand for safer and healthier products as they become more aware of the adverse effects of chemicals in personal care products. 

“As a result, companies have focused on developing formulations that use natural and non-toxic ingredients, free from harmful additives and POPs. This demand for safer products has led to innovative formulations and manufacturing processes prioritizing consumer well-being,” Aris continues.

“By meeting consumer expectations, we hope we can attract and retain customers and contribute to a more sustainable industry.” 

However, obtaining natural squalene and tocotrienols from oil palm is challenging, especially with a process that does not use chemicals and solvents. 

PhytoGaia faced several challenges in the preparation phase of STGaia, such as determining appropriate measurements and endpoints for evaluating the product’s efficacy, identifying the targeted demographic and age group for testing, determining the optimal duration of the study and managing the budgetary constraints effectively. 

“However, we have been able to overcome these challenges through meticulous planning, collaboration with experts in the field and leveraging our resources efficiently,” Aris explains. 

“These efforts have allowed us to address each challenge systematically and ensure that the research and clinical activities for STGaia are conducted with the utmost precision and effectiveness with robust clinical parameters.”

By Inga de Jong