Skinnovation spotlight: Sunscreen that “nourishes” coral reefs, botanicals for erythema and pH-friendly micellar water

23 May 2023 --- Low pH niacinamide micellar water and plant-based ingredient synergies for treating erythema are among the latest skin care innovation highlights. Next to this, while some sun care manufacturers have begun to remove harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, Reef Relief is introducing a product that “goes further” than other sunscreens to not only protect coral reefs, but also feed and enrich them.

Eilat, the resort city of the State of Israel, recently unveiled the world's first sunscreen – branded Reef Relief – that is scientifically formulated not only to protect the skin from UV rays but to feed and nourish endangered coral reefs.

“The development of a sunscreen that not only doesn’t harm coral, but has the potential to feed and nourish our reefs, is an important step towards protecting and preserving our oceans. Reef Relief could feed into the health of communities underwater and on land,” comments Giovanni Giallongo, marine biologist at the Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Eilat.

Eilat is home to the planet’s northernmost shallow-water reef. Coral is facing serious threats from climate change, pollution and other human activities, with an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen ending up in the world's oceans every year.

Reef Relief is scientifically formulated not only to protect the skin from UV rays but to feed and nourish endangered coral reefs (Image credit: Reef Relief).Marine and skincare specialists have developed the new sunscreen formulation based on a non-nano, titanium dioxide-based, mineral sunscreen. The Reef Relief base formula is eco-certification compliant and has undergone extensive aquatic safety testing, to include C. elegans, freshwater fish, saltwater fish and coral larvae.

The added reef nourishing formula is a bespoke blend of FDA-compliant trace minerals used by coral farmers to feed and support healthy growth in coral.

As many as 80% of ordinary sunscreens contain chemicals contribute to coral bleaching and dying reefs.

An increasing number of products claim to be “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe,” but there is a lack of regulation in this area which means that consumers are easily being misled, details Reef Relief. The company hopes that the new RPF label will become an industry standard beyond Israel, helping consumers make responsible choices.

Local sunscreen brand Reef Relief announced brand-new certification – “not just SPF, but RPF: Reef Protection Factor.” “This is a way of identifying sunscreen that truly cares for coral. An RPF marque as an industry standard: this could be game-changing,” Giallongo concludes.

Reef Relief is currently undergoing consumer trials.

Low pH niacinamide micellar water
Cosrx, has announced the release of their new Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water, a moisturizing and gentle cleanser designed for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.

The Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water contains key ingredients such as niacinamide, allantoin and hyaluronic acid that soothe and hydrate the skin while removing makeup, unclogging pores and regulating excess sebum and oil secretion.

This new release is formulated with a composition similar to the pH of skin to help maintain a healthy skin balance and strengthen the skin barrier. It is designed to gently yet effectively removes makeup while deep cleansing, all disturbing the skin’s balance or causing irritation.

“It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin,” notes a company spokesperson.

In clinical tests, this cleanser passed both skin and ocular irritation tests, proving it to be gentle on both the skin and eyes, making it the ideal cleanser for daily use.

The Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water has a lightweight, watery texture that can be used every day. It infuses the skin with hydration and softness the minute it hits the skin, and it leaves a refreshing and clean finish without any residue.

Cosrx released its Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water (Image credit: Cosrx).The cleansing water’s formula was developed after discovering that skin irritation begins at the cleansing stage due to strong stimulation and residual impurities. This led to the development of a gentle cleansing formula that utilizes micellar technology to gently lift away makeup and other impurities while replenishing the skin with hydration.

Botanical potencies in treating redness and erythema
Two years after launch, Last Skincare has upgraded its Skin Repair Serum, now packed with more than 35 plant and science-based vegan active ingredients. The ingredients are touted as having proven effectiveness in regenerating, nourishing and protecting the skin.

The formula was enriched in four new active ingredients known for their outstanding anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, as well as their ability to reduce redness and erythema.

It now incorporates botanicals sourced from 23 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Amazon jungle, and with frankincense, myrrh and copaiba in the heart of the brand. The range consists of “fewer, but harder working products,” fulfilling all the complex needs of different skin types.

The list includes a botanical alternative to retinol, plant and resin extracts, adaptogens, biomimetic tetrapeptide and peptides, glycerides, cold pressed oils, vitamins and bioferments. The ingredients mainly originate from resins, leaves, seeds, roots, bark, fruits and flowers of different plants, trees and mushrooms.

Using the latest scientific research on the cutaneous nervous system and wound healing, the brand has focused on the root causes of aging and working on the cellular level to slow down the accelerated aging and increasing tissue regeneration.

“At Last, we embrace the kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement, constantly researching and testing newly discovered active ingredients to see if there is a value to surpass the potency of our formulations. And sometimes we find that there is. This is one of these moments,” says Katarzyna Janocha, Last founder.

The new formula’s ingredients were clinically tested ingredients and exhibited results in: increasing collagen synthesis (+63%), hyaluronic acid synthesis (+99%), ceramide synthase (+26%), reducing wrinkles (-35%), immediate elasticity improvement (+19%), increasing skin hydration (+47%), reducing redness (-273%) and erythema (-13.3%), diminishing pigmentation spots (-22.5%), increasing skin smoothness (+35%), skin luminosity (+261%) and clarity (+112%).

Apart from addressing complete needs of skin, the Skin Repair Serum also contains ingredients clinically proven to raise four times the level of beta endorphin in skin and diminish the cortisol by 60%.

By Benjamin Ferrer