Advances in hydrating skin care: Harnessing nature and wearable technology

10 Jul 2023 --- The global market for hydrating skin care products has witnessed significant growth, with an average annual growth rate of 4% between 2018 and 2022, according to market researcher Innova Market Insights. This surge in demand can be attributed to consumers’ increasing focus on effective moisturization and hydration.

Facial/Neck moisturizers have dominated the market, comprising nearly half of all hydrating skin care product launches worldwide. Personal Care Insights looks at how the growing demand for hydrating skin care has driven market expansion and natural ingredient innovations.

TriNutra, a leading skin care research company, has unveiled a groundbreaking development in skin hydration. “Skin hydration is being affected by external and internal factors,” Dr. Liki von-Oppen Bezalel, business development director at TriNutra, tells us. 

Black seed is an ingredient over 2,000 years old and is called the “blessing seed” in the Bible and Koran.“Pollution, extensive sun exposure, extreme heat or cold may lead to the breakdown of structural components in the skin such as extracellular matrix and cause inflammation. This may disrupt the skin barrier and lead to extensive water loss, drying and breaking the skin.” 

Furthermore, she illustrates systemic factors such as hormonal changes, a weakened immune system and a microbial imbalance that can affect the skin structure and barrier functions to reduce hydration. 

“When manufacturing either ingredients or finished products, one needs to consider all these factors, to provide solutions to each one of them to manufacture an effective product, for what sounds as a ‘simple’ issue but is rather complex,” Bezalel states.

Skin lubrication and barrier preservation
Through extensive research and cutting-edge technology, the company has harnessed the power of black seed oil (BSO) to create B’utyQuin, a product promising advancements in skin moisturization and health.

“TriNutra has done significant research into the composition and ratios of thymoquinone, black seed oils (BSO) main phytonutrient, and free fatty acid content, which plays a major role in the BSOs bioactivity, quality and stability,” 

“TriNutra has introduced the only standardized, full-spectrum oil with optimal ratios of 3% thymoquinone and very low free fatty acids (<2%). These precise ratios contribute to the potent health benefits and synergistic effects.”

Bezalel elaborates that optimizing mitochondrial functions is one of the mechanisms of action at the base of these health benefits. This includes cell respiration, metabolism, energy production and, as a result, more water molecules being made, which function as a “water fountain” within the cells. Being an oil with specific fatty acids composition of linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids, TriNutra’s BSO contributes to skin lubrication and better barrier functions that keep the moisture within the skin.

“B’utyQuin is a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial for cosmetic and dermatologic use. Modulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, ATP production, oil droplet size and energy expenditure in fat cells are also thought to play a role in BSO’s effect on symptoms of acne and seborrhea of the skin and scalp.”

“Therefore, B’utyQuin was studied in-vitro to determine mitochondrial biogenesis and revitalization mechanisms. Clinical research has followed this to establish the safety, compatibility, and efficacy of 3% B’utyQuin as a topical anti-aging cosmetic aid for human skin.”

The black seed plant produces an oil with linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids.Latest research on skin hydration
Researchers have explored alternatives to synthetic substances in response to the growing demand for natural cosmetic ingredients. Tremella fuciformis extract – also known as snow mushroom – is an emerging natural substitute for hyaluronic acid. 

Rich in proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and natural preservatives, this extract effectively retains water within the skin cells and combats free radicals responsible for premature skin aging.

A study published in Cosmetics 2023 examined the optimization of cosmetic formulations containing tremella fuciformis extract, demonstrating its ability to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by 12.4% compared to formulations without this active ingredient. Furthermore, dermatological tests confirmed the safety of the formulations, with no observed erythema or irritation.

Additionally, to enhance the structure and lipid profile of xerotic- and atopic-prone skin, characterized by reduced water-retaining compounds and altered lipid composition, researchers have developed pH 4.5 emulsions containing plant oils and urea. 

The study evaluated the impact of such an emulsion on skin hydration, pH and barrier function. After three weeks of product usage, results showed improved skin hydration, decreased baseline elevated skin surface pH and visibly reduced dryness, roughness and tension. Additionally, the study revealed enhancements in the stratum corneum lipid matrix in terms of lipid content and organization.

Moreover, advancements in wearable technology have paved the way for monitoring skin hydration levels. A study published in Sensors (Basel) introduced a wearable sensor based on cotton textiles that analyzes the skin’s impedance to determine its hydration level. 

The sensor demonstrated reliable results after repetitive bending cycles, showcasing its flexibility and durability. This technology detects different hydration levels across various body parts while maintaining stable conformal contact with the skin.

Black seed offers potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.“Blessing” for skin hydration
As the demand for effective hydrating skin care products continues to grow, companies like TriNutra are at the forefront of research and development, harnessing the power of nature and innovative technology. 

“Many consumers expect less processed, efficacious products that offer multifunctional benefits. Some of the most popular beauty ingredients include biotin, hyaluronic acid, collagen, zinc, vitamins C, D and E,” Bezalel details.

“There is a wide array of products today, including various botanicals that are good and efficacious. BSO (in particular) is becoming more popular as personal care and beauty from within ingredients.”

The popularity can be traced to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and research demonstrating its ability to boost mitochondrial functions that naturally slow with age, improve cell respiration and energy production, and help with a healthy inflammation response.

According to Straits Research, Bezalel states that the global BSO market was valued at UD$18.38 million in 2021 and is expected to reach US$34.71 million by 2030. TriNutra spotlights BSO as an ingredient over 2,000 years old and called the “blessing seed” in the Bible and Koran.

TriNutra has taken this traditional ingredient and brought out its unrealized potential using modern and sustainable practices. 

The global market for hydrating skin care products presents vast opportunities for B2B businesses. By leveraging these scientific advancements and incorporating natural ingredients with proven hydrating properties, companies can develop innovative formulations that cater to consumers’ evolving needs. Additionally, wearable technology offers a new dimension to skin hydration monitoring, providing valuable product development and customization insights.

By Radhika Sikaria