The France-based company, which has in the past concentrated on natural pigments and exfoliating agents, has chosen the upcoming in-cosmetics show in Paris to launch the new ingredient.
LycoMega is an oily blend of tomato seeds and cranberry seeds high in lycopene and omega 3 and 6 that the company says is suitable for use in anti-ageing ranges as well as skin protecting and sun care formulations.
In addition, the LycoMega is organic approved, communciations manager for the company Magali Kerninon explained.
"LycoMega can be used in certified organic finished products... and has been certified for this by Ecocert," she told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
According to Lessonia, the ingredient has powerful antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can help block interleukine 1 alpha, which the company describes as an inflammation mediator, in human keratinocytes radiated with UVB. This, Lessonia claims, is due to the extract’s omega 3 and omega 6 content.
In in vitro tests LycoMega decreased the cytotoxicity of UVB treated human keratinocytes by 40.5 per cent, the company claimed, as well as having an ORAC value of 1,700 per 100g.
In addition to launching its new anti-ageing active, Lessonia will be presenting a number of other actives at the show, including a range from seaweed and algae, as well as natural plant pigments and exfoliating ingredients.