It is the company's 70th patent (US patent # US8119696) and is entitled ‘Treatment of superficial and cutaneous mycoses with a pure form of 1, 7-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3, 5-heptanedione.’
Initially for treatment of anti-fungal infections which affect the hair, skin and nails, the newly patented ingredient could have significant cosmetic applications.
Cosmetic formulation
According to Sabinsa, TetraPure is highly effective against a wide range of fungi and therefore a natural replacement for anti-fungal agents and topical steroids, which may have significant side effects.
It can be used in creams, shampoo, ointment, lotion, spray, or powder form for topical application in hair care, skin care and nail care formulations.
“TetraPure effectively relieves skin discomforts due to fungal infections and offers a soothing solution to relieve redness, irritation, scaling, itching, and burning associated with fungal infections, and can be used in all ranges of cosmetic products for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails,” explains Sabinsa.
Treats fungal infections
Approximately 90 percent of fungal skin infections are caused by 'dermatophytes', which are parasitic fungi affecting the skin, hair and nails, out of which fungal infection of nails is the most common.
Skin is affected by fungus because it feeds on keratin. Hair fungus invasion occurs on the hair shaft, and is manifested as itchy, scaly flakes of the scalp (dandruff) or inflammatory abscess that may result in permanent hair loss.
People on strong antibiotics are also at risk of fungal infections, as antibiotics kill not only damaging bacteria, but healthy bacteria as well. This alters the balance of microorganisms and results in an overgrowth of fungus.