BioCell Technology launches collagen anti-aging ingredient

Targeting the anti-aging market, California-based Biocell Technology has launched a new ingredient aimed at the skin and hair care market - BioCell Collagen II Cosmetic Grade (CG).

The ingredient picks up from the company's collagen-based oral supplement, BioCell Collagen II, which was launched in 2004 targeting joint health.

However, in January last year, the company released results of a Bioassay indicating that the ingredient is also effective in helping to smooth out wrinkles caused by aging.

Likewise, it will also be aimed at a number of hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, detanglers, hair reconstructors and thermal hair protectors.

"The primary role of BioCell Collagen II CG is to penetrate the hair and strengthen its structure through polymer crosslinking," said Suhail Ishaq, vice president of BioCell Technology.

"In hair care applications, hydrolyzed collagens have been used to serve this function for decades," he added.

As with the oral supplement, the topical ingredient provides hydrolyzed collagen peptides, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid in a phospholipids matrix.

The company says that the phospholipids aid the emulsification compatibility of the ingredient in a variety of topical formulations, which in turn reduces transpidermal water loss, thus imparting optimal moisturizing effects.

Further to the tests carried out on the oral supplement, the company says that testing on its newly launched topical formula indicate that it dramatically improves the skin feel of topical formulations and leaves treated areas looking and feeling smoother and softer.

Aimed primarily at premium skin care formulations, the ingredient is also said to be compatible in both water lipid phase formulations, while the hydrolyzed collagen is produced in a specific molecular size range, providing optimal consistency for creams.

" BioCell Collagen II product was shown to suppress hyaluronidase, a key enzyme that may contribute to skin aging," said Ishaq.

Ishaq added that, although the product will be primarily aimed at the premium market, it is likely to filter into the mass market at a later date, albeit in smaller volumes.

Ishaq also added that the ingredient was now available to cosmetics formulists on a global basis.