Energen re-energises the tired skin of the modern man 'not used to care and treatment products and used to aggressive routines such as daily shaving', according to the Spain-based ingredients provider.
The new ingredient tones and hydrates the skin whilst smoothing imperfections, claims the company.
Soap nut to stimulate ATP production
The ingredient is based on active saponoides from Sapindus mukorossi - commonly known as the soap nut tree as the fruits are often used as a natural alternative to chemical detergents.
According to the company the saponoides increase ATP production in the fibroblasts, providing energy that is crucial to the synthesis of molecules such as collagen and keratin, and cell protection and repair.
The saponoides are delivered to the skin in a galactomannan matrix (a polysaccharide often used as a thickening agent) from the Caesalpinia spinosa, a tree found in the Andes.
Due to its high molecular weight the galactomannan cannot penetrate the skin, instead remaining on the surface like a film preventing water loss and improving skin hydration, explained a Provital spokesperson.
Sensory ingredients Energen was not the only ingredient Provital was presenting at the show, a collection of ingredients designed to improve the sensorial effects of formulations was also launched.
Three products from the range were showcased, including Aquasense designed to convey a feeling of cleanliness, Whitesense to convey the feeling of softness, and Ayursense for a feeling of freshness and wellbeing.
Number of energising products grows The industry is seeing an increasing number of products and ingredients that claim to fight skin ageing by stimulating ATP production.
Global chemicals supplier International Speciality Products also has a range of ingredients that it claims affect the mitochondria and increase ATP production.
In addition, France-based ingredients supplier Silab released an energising ingredient SMS Energy in December 2007, similarly directing the ingredient towards the market for men's cosmetics.