FSS Phyto-Biotics Agave
Preserved with
Leucidal Liquid
The demand for stem
cell technologies has grown exponentially in the last decade. Trending
specifically in the cosmetic market, current stem cell technologies utilize
Meristematic cells, non-differentiating plant stem cells from simple cell
extracts, with no specific activity. To propel beyond the current offerings on
the market, we opted to use biotic stress, embodied by the sustainable practice
of co-culturing of plant stem cells with Lactobacillus, to promote the
formation of secondary metabolites. This novel approach induces cellular
differentiation and provides formulators with the ability to finely customize
formulations, specify activity and skin benefits while offering brand
distinction. Agave-themed personal care products capitalize on the specific
activity of the probiotic compound, fructan, and phenolic compounds, like flavonoids,
produced by the Agave Plant, to provide the cosmetic market with a
plant-derived, stem cell ingredient designed to create brand
differentiation. FSS Phyto-Biotics Agave incorporates the
mechanisms employed by the agave in an ingredient to protect the skin from
damage caused by increasingly intense and harmful surroundings.
Research shows that
plant stem cells can slow skin aging by defending against extrinsic stress,
keeping skin looking youthful, longer. This discovery opened the door in cosmetic
stem cell research and provided technological advances in the cosmetic
industry, as there are no ethical controversies over the use of plant stem
cells in contrast to the use of embryonic stem cells. Phenolic, or
secondary, metabolites are organic compounds that have no fundamental role in
the maintenance of the life process of plants. However, these compounds are
essential for the plant to interact with its environment, allowing for
adaptation, defense and ultimately the ability to survive in less than ideal
conditions.
Depletion of the
ozone layer is an instant and hazardous environmental factor that directly
results in harm to the skin. This gaseous layer is concentrated in the
stratosphere, and it protects the earth from UV radiation by filtering out UV-B
rays. This filtration is vital to human health, because UV-B radiation damages
plants and animals’ DNA, which can lead to skin cancer, eye disease, and
suppression of the immune system. As the earth continually grows warmer due to
greenhouse gases trapping heat near the earth’s surface, the stratosphere
receives less heat distribution, yielding lower temperatures in the ozone layer
and accelerating ozone depletion. The agave’s remarkable ability to shield
itself from environmental stressors such as these makes it an ideal natural
defender against the sun and extreme heat. Through natural selection,
organisms have learned to adapt to unfavorable conditions to survive in their
environment. The agave has had to develop a tolerance to extreme temperature
fluctuations. Generally speaking, to live in the desert organisms need to
withstand searing heat from the sun during the day, and bone chilling
temperatures at night. Desert-dwelling plants and animals face particularly
arid conditions with a very limited water supply. The agave has adapted to
thrive in such circumstances. It is resistant to fire, which is advantageous
when living in hot and dry climates where other plants are prone to starting
brush fires. The agave needs little moisture to survive and can withstand long
periods of drought. It is understood that the carbohydrates in the agave are
capable of binding to water thus store it for later use. Carbohydrates
are often used in personal care products to increase hydration. Sugars are hygroscopic
so they are capable of drawing moisture close to the skin where it is needed
most.
Agave nectar
contains high levels of fructose and glucose and also contains sucrose and
poly-fructosans. In cosmetics, these sugars help to lock in moisture the same
way they frugally store water reserves for the agave. Fructose is also
imperative in stabilizing cell membranes against environmental stressors. It
has the ability to prevent hemolysis, while helping to maintain the integrity
of cell membranes. Fructose directly influences the ion channel activity of
cell membranes, restricting or increasing the flow of particular ions into and
out of cells as needed. By maintaining the correct balance of ions and
stabilizing the membrane itself, fructose protects cells from dangers that may
otherwise destroy them, including but not limited to damage caused extreme sun
exposure. FSS Phyto-Biotics Agave capitalizes on the moisture
binding properties of agave nectar to maximize epidermal hydration while
stimulating collagen synthesis for optimal anti-aging benefits. Between these
benefits and the ability to stabilize cell membranes, we can help to overcome
the wide array of environmental factors that are a detriment to the health and
beauty of our skin.
INCI Nomenclature:
|
Glycerin &
Agave Americana Leaf Extract
|
Suggested Use Levels:
|
1.0-10.00%
|
Appearance:
|
Yellow to Amber - Slightly Hazy to Hazy Liquid
|
pH: (1% in
water)
|
4.0-6.5
|
Application:
|
Anti-Aging, Soothing, Antioxidant, ATP Synthesis, Increases Cellular
Metabolism, Stem Cells
|
Storage: Protected from direct
light and humidity at a temperature of 50°-77°F (10°-25°C)
Shelf life: 12 months, properly
stored, in sealed container.
This product should be added to a formulation at the recommended usage
rate