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 AcquaSeal^TM Coconut contains Fractionated Coconut Lipids & Tocopherol

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.