AquaSeal® Coconut
A Natural Replacement for Petrolatum!
BACKGROUND
“First
it was coconut milk, then coconut water, and now coconut oil—and I think a big
part of the recent popularity is that it’s natural, not synthetic, which is so
appealing,” says Francesca Fusco, MD, a dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in
NYC. Most commonly, cosmetic companies have incorporated coconut water into
their lines hoping to capitalize on this trend. However, the truth is,
topically applied coconut water, or milk, does not enhance moisturization or
provide protection to the skin, scalp or hair. Coconut oil is now making its
mark in the personal care market as the more effective alternative to mineral
oil. The combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and barrier
protection properties make this oil definitively unique. Much like coconut oil,
fractionated coconut lipids are composed of saturated fats and medium chained
triglycerides ideal for reinforcing the skin’s barrier, trapping water thus
moisturizing the skin in addition to reducing inflammation.
SCIENCE
We have selectively fractionated coconut
lipids to create a multifuctional ingredient, AcquaSeal® Coconut. The key to
restoring the skin’s barrier function is normalizing the epidermal lipids.
AcquaSeal® Coconut is ideal for this due to its high concentration of Medium
Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), and non-estrogenic phytosterols. Unlike other
triglycerides, MCTs are metabolized much more efficiently than Long Chain
Triglycerides (LCTs). The result of this being laser-like attention focused on
MCTs.MCTs are more efficiently metabolized than LCTs because they are able to
cross the double mitochondrial membrane rapidly and do not require carnitine in
order to continue on the metabolic pathway. This quick metabolic conversion of
MCTs into cellular energy increases the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino
acids. Additionally, the eventual conversion of MCTs into essential fatty acids
allows for normalization of the epidermal lipids. Application of AcquaSeal®
Coconut demonstrates the utility of this approach via rapid and efficacious
hydration
BENEFITS
As a multifunctional ingredient, AcquaSeal®
Coconut endows the skin and hair with a silky texture sans the feel of an oily
or greasy residue. When incorporated in personal care products, AcquaSeal®
Coconut seals in moisture and delivers critical macronutrients. By implementing
the coconut’s hydration retention strategy into skin and hair care
formulations, we can capitalize on the undeniable and immediately perceivable
benefits such as reduction in Transepidermal Water Loss, intense
moisturization, and the sensorial experience that accompanies AcquaSeal®
Coconut as it assimilates with the skin transforming it into a luxuriously
soft, hydrated surface.
EFFICACY DATA
To
demonstrate decreased Transepidermal Water Loss and the increase in skin
moisturization, a three week study was
conducted in which an untreated control, a base lotion (Cetaphil Moisturizing
Lotion for All Skin Types), and a test lotion (2.0% AcquaSeal® Coconut + Base
Lotion) were evaluated. Ten (M/F) panelists between the ages of 23 - 45 were
asked to apply the materials specified to sites on their volar forearms, twice
daily. Initial and weekly measurements were taken using the DermaLab
Corneometer. Following the base line readings, measurements were recorded again
after 24 hours, one week, two weeks, and three weeks. When compared to the base
lotion, AcquaSeal® Coconut was shown to decrease Transepidermal Water Loss by
6.0% better than the base lotion after 24 hours and 15.0% better than the base
lotion after three weeks. In comparison the untreated site, the test lotion
(2.0% AcquaSeal® Coconut + Base Lotion), decreased TEWL 19.0% better at the end
of three weeks. Results indicate that AcquaSeal® Coconut is capable of reducing
TEWL therefore promoting moisture retention.
Another
in-vivo study was conducted over the course of three weeks to evaluate
AcquaSeal® Coconut’s ability to increase moisturization. Ten (M/F) subjects
between the ages of 23 - 45 participated in the study. A DermaLab Corneometer
was used to measure the moisture levels on the subject’s volar forearms. The
Corneometer is an instrument that measure the amount of water within the skin.
Baseline measurements were taken on day one of the study. Following initial measurements,
all subjects were to apply 2 mg of the positive control and test material to
the denoted area on their respective forearms, twice a day for three weeks. The
test material consisted of 2.0% AcquaSeal® Coconut + Base Lotion and the
positive control (base lotion) used was Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for All
SKin Types
After 24 hours, the test material increased
skin moisturization by 161.0% and increased moisturization by 129.0% when the
site was measure again at the end of three weeks. After 24 hours, the base
lotion only increased skin moisturization by 125.0% and by a less impressive
90.0% at the end of three weeks. When compared to the untreated site after 24
hours, the test material (2.0% AcquaSeal® Coconut + Base Lotion) moisturized
the skin 168.0% better. After three weeks, the test material (2.0% AcquaSeal®
Coconut + Base Lotion) was 108.0% more effective in moisturizing the skin than
no treatment at all. When evaluated after 24 hours, the test material (2.0%
AcquaSeal® Coconut + Base Lotion) site was 29.0% more moisturized than the
positive control site. After three weeks, the test material still yielded
impressive results proving to be on average 33.0% more effective in
moisturizing the skin than the base lotion alone.
Results indicate that AcquaSeal® Coconut is
capable of reducing TEWL, increasing moisture levels, thus enhancing the
overall health and integrity of the skin both initially and overtime at low
levels in a base lotion. Tropical and Topical, coconut is one of the most
rapidly growing memes in the consumer market. By coupling consumer perception
with proven efficacy and superior texture, AcquaSeal® Coconut is an effective
answer to the demanding personal care and cosmetic market. For a copy of the studies,
please request from us.

Moisturization Study Available upon request
FSS AcquaSealTM Coconut contains Fractionated Coconut Lipids & Tocopherol
INCI Nomenclature: |
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract |
Suggested Use Levels: |
0.5-5.0% |
Suggested Applications: |
Improved Barrier Function, Moisturization, Film-Forming, Enhanced Feel |
Appearance: |
Opaque Paste |
Solubility: |
Insoluble in Water |
References:
1) St-Onge MP, et al. Greater rise in fat oxidation with medium-chain triglyceride consumption relative to long-chain triglyceride is associated with lower initial body weight and greater loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue, Intl J of Obesity & Related Metabolic Disorders, 2003 Dec;27(12):1565-71. 2) Prior IA, et al. Cholesterol, coconuts, and diet on Polynesian atolls: The Pukapuka & Tokelau Is studies, Amer J of Clinical Nutrition, 198; 34:1552-1561.