The company claims that three advanced peptides - Argireline, Leuphasyl and Snap-7 have been developed to work collaboratively in one topical foundation as a means to target and prevent the neurotransmitter process.
Similar to Botox treatments, this means that lines of expression, particularly around the eyes and forehead, can be frozen out, which means that the wrinkles associated with these areas - known as the Snare complex - are prevented.
Janson Beckett says that DermaExcel 7 contains 5 per cent Leuphasyl (PentaPeptide), 10 per cent Argireline (HexaPeptide), and 10 per cent Snap-7 (HeptaPeptide) in a formula that has been developed to optimize its efficacy to prevent this Snare complex.
Leuphasyl is said to interact with the skin to lower its electrical charge, making it more difficult for the neurons that move muscles to fire.
"Argireline and Snap-7 complement Leuphasyl, working in tandem to intercept the release of chemicals that trigger muscle contractions. By preventing the frequency and severity of muscle movements, the peptides in DermaExcel 7 significantly reduce wrinkle depth and even work to prevent their formation," a company statement said.
DermaExcel 7 is an extension to Janson Beckett's high-end anti-aging product line. Along with the peptides in its formulation, DermaExcel contains anti-oxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid, a skin firmer - DMAE, and the moisturizing properties of Shea Butter - properties that all aim to smooth, firm and tone the skin.
Janson Beckett president Ian Strassler said, "Today's consumers are savvy and understand that the science portion of skin care has advanced from simply enabling users to look good to actually facilitating changes to their skin. DermaExcel 7 is a step forward in combating wrinkles aggressively, yet in an ultra-safe manner."
The company claims that the peptides have proven efficacy, too. It says that results of in vivo testing of formulations with Argireline and Leuphasyl conducted over 28 days showed an average of 24 per cent reduction in 'expression wrinkles', with a maximum value of nearly 47 per cent attained.
Likewise, formulations containing Snap-7 spiked the in vivo test results, with maximum values topping an impressive 60 per cent wrinkle reduction, the company also claims. In non-clinical Janson Beckett user trials conducted on 200 volunteers in September 2005, subjects reported seeing quick improvements, typically noting immediate skin tightening and an invigorating tingling sensation for up to 30 minutes after application of DermaExcel 7.
Alongside the impressive claims the product does not come cheap. DermaExcel 7 (1 ounce) has an retail price of $159.95, putting it firmly in the premium skin care and anti-aging categories.
The rise in the popularity of peptides in cosmetics formulations is being driven by demand for efficient actives that deliver a range of functions to skin care and other cosmetics preparations.
The fact that they are considered to be stable, safe and chemically well-defined makes them even more appealing when considered against the many properties they contain to fight the effects of aging on the skin.