FSS Moisture Plex Advanced
Preserved with Leucidal Liquid
If we were asked to describe our skin, we would probably make a description based on its physical characteristics and not its function. True, we like our skin to feel soft and smooth; but more importantly we need our skin to protect us from UV damage, free radicals and hazardous microorganisms while providing barrier protection from various chemicals and liquids. The epidermis is actually part of our innate immune system and serves as one of the body’s primary defense mechanisms to protect us from an onslaught of environmental stimuli. Yet the ability of the epidermis to fulfill all of these functions tends to diminish if it is not properly hydrated, so the way we like our skin to look and feel is also optimal for its function. There are a multitude of ways for our skin to become dry, which results in irritation, damage and loss of function. We have to worry about more than just cold temperatures, changes in humidity and the wind drying out our skin, and often the products we use can cause the same drying effect. Soap, facial cleansers and toners are notorious for dehydrating our skin, and ironically due to the alcohol content, some moisturizers can actually cause the same effect.
The epidermis consists of several layers with the outermost layers being keratinized cells held together by epidermal lipids. Secreted on the surface is a layer of sebum that provides moisturizing benefits. When the skin becomes dry, the layer of sebum is often stripped away, and the integrity of the epidermal lipids is less substantive. The keratinized cells separate and the skin becomes itchy and usually appears red, inflamed and cracked. FSS Moisture-Plex Advanced PF is formulated to address all of these issues by improving barrier integrity, reducing evaporation, improving moisture balance and maintaining lipid balance while increasing cellular renewal.
FSS Moisture-Plex Advanced PF contains a complex of glycerin, sodium PCA, urea, polyquaternium-51 and sodium hyaluronate. Glycerin is hygroscopic and is often used as a humectant. It is derived from glycerides of natural vegetable lipids that are just like the glycerides in our own lipids. Because the epidermis is comprised primarily of a lipid base, the topical application of glycerin may help hydrate the skin and prevent lipid damage. The sodium PCA in FSS Moisture-Plex Advanced PF is also hygroscopic so it may help the skin stay moist. It is actually even more hygroscopic than either glycerin or sorbitol.
Urea is capable of binding water in the stratum corneum to prevent water loss while effectively moisturizing the skin. Urea also functions as an effective exfoliating agent to help smooth and soften the skin, which normally becomes rough and flakey after desiccation. Both sodium PCA and urea are components of the body’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF), which function as the body’s methods to retain moisture.
Trehalose is a glucose disaccharide that facilitates osmo-regulation, and it can be found in fungi, bacteria, some amphibians and many invertebrates that are forced to survive in desiccating environments. It functions as a carbohydrate reserve in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to stabilize proteins during heat shock and suppresses denatured protein aggregation. Trehalose is also important for overcoming environmental osmotic and oxidative stresses. Topical application of the disaccharide may improve epidermal barrier function, and possibly prevent heat shock.
The polyquaternium-51 in FSS Moisture-Plex Advanced PF is a hygroscopic polymer that stabilizes epidermal phospholipids while significantly improving moisture retention. Hyaluronic acid has been observed to increase the rate of cellular repair while minimizing the formation of scarred tissue, sodium hyaluronate is intended to facilitate cellular repair and renewal to minimize cracking and damage.
To substantiate the moisture retentive properties of FSS Moisture-Plex Advanced PF a skin surface hygrometer to detect the percent improvement in epidermal hydration relative to biological control. The efficacy of FSS Moisture-Plex Advanced PF was tested in relation to Hyaluronic acid, which is known to be an effective moisturizing agent. The results indicate that FSS Moisture-Plex Advanced PF may be used as an effective alternative to Hyaluronic acid.
INCI Nomenclature: Glycerin & Water & Sodium PCA & Urea & Trehalose & Polyquaternium-51 & Sodium Hyaluronate
Appearance: Slightly Hazy to Transparent Liquid
Specific Gravity (25°C): 1.140 – 1.190
Suggested Use Levels: 1.0-10%
Suggested Applications: Moisturizer, Barrier Formation, Hyaluronic Acid Alternative
pH: 4.60 – 7.25
Storage: Protected from direct light and humidity at a temperature of 50°-77°F (10°-25°C)
Shelf life: 12 months from the date of manufacture.
This product should be added to a formulation at the recommended usage rate.
All products sold are cosmetic grade; External Use Only; Cosmetic & Personal Care Formulations Only.
Our products are for cosmetic and personal care formulations only; External Use Only. We recommend working with a chemist or a formulator if you’re not advanced in formulating.
Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure, or prevent disease.
