Provital launches ingredient to increase skin firmness and elasticity

20-Apr-2010 - Last updated on 21-Apr-2010 at 11:11 GMT

Increased skin firmness, elasticity and resistance to harmful external factors is the claim behind Provital Group’s new active ingredient, Zirhafirm, that was presented at in-cosmetics last week.

According to the Spain-based ingredients provider, the active is a ‘synergistic combination’ of two derivatives from Zizphus spinosa (a spiny shrub from China)and Rhaponticum (commonly known as Maral Root).

It is claimed to activate the production of collagen and laminin -components of the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) - while inhibiting metalloproteinases - enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix. As both the DEJ and extracellular matrix improve, says Provital, the generation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts is stimulated due to the re-establishment of intercellular communication.

Provital’s sales director Alexandre Skibniewski, explained to CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com that both the composition and the action of the ingredient distinguish it from other ingredients on the market.

“It is not usual to find synergy between two plants – here it is two molecules which is even more difficult – and it is also the fact that [the ingredient] plays on the DEJ from two sides that makes it unique,” he said.

In vivo test

An in vivo test was conducted on Zirhafirm, during which 20 volunteers between the ages of 40-55 years applied an ingredient-containing formula to the cheek-jaw zone. The formula was applied twice a day over 56 days, and results measured against a placebo.

Results showed that skin firmness increased by 14.3 percent and elasticity increased 7 percent as a result of using Zirhafirm.

Moreover, a volunteer questionnaire revealed that subjects had a ‘very positive’ opinion of the product and its effects, the results of which were always much better than the placebo.

Cosmetic applications

According to Provital, the ingredient is ideal for use in firming and lifting skin care products.

Zirhafirm has applications in facial firming and modeling products, firming and rejuvenating serums, anti-cellulite products and post-lifting cosmetics products amongst others.

Provital also recently launched Noline, a nutmeg-derived active which the company claims offers a safer, non-invasive way of of plumping up wrinkles from the inside out.