THE ANTI-POLLUTION INGREDIENT TO FUTURE PROOF SKIN FROM ENVIRONMENTAL AGGRESSORS
A frontline defense for skin.
Smog. Dust. Dirt. Toxins. Air pollution can do a number on the skin. In fact, studies show that urbanites develop 20 percent more pigmentation spots—with more stressed complexions— than their rural counterparts. Clearly, it’s time for a better skin defense strategy. Enter SymUrban®, the ingredient Symrise created to neutralize the negative effects of particulate matter, protecting the skin from daily environmental aggressors.
In fact, studies show that urbanites develop 20 percent more pigmentation spots—with more stressed complexions— than their rural counterparts.
Even as more and more industrial environmental regulations are established, with restrictions placed on driving and carbon offsets purchasing, air pollution continues to increase in cities around the world. This extreme situation is devastating in many ways, particularly to skin—our bodies’ largest organ. And consumers know it. They reach for anti-pollution product solutions and formulations that restore skin’s balance and this demand is constantly growing. Until recently, options were limited to certain antioxidants and protective skin-coating polymers—neither of which fully protect against harsh effects of Particulate Matter and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) on our skin.
Something had to change.
“Thanks to the studies from the Leibnitz Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF) in Düsseldorf [led by Professor Jean Krutmann], we now know exactly how these tiny particles attack and damage skin,” said Dr. William Johncock, Senior Vice President Cosmetic Ingredients Business Unit Sun Protection and Functionals at Symrise. Armed with this proprietary information, Symrise knew just how to fight back against these environmental aggressors with a brand new ingredient, SymUrban®.
When we are exposed to environmental aggressors like Particulate Matter, our skin can suffer from collagen degradation, overproduction of melanin and inflammatory processes, all of which accelerate the visible signs of aging. With SymUrban®, Symrise makes it possible to shield skin from the harmful effects of such environmental pollution to help future proof skin against premature signs of aging. “Since we now understand precisely how particulate matter affect the skin, we were able to design an evaluation protocol involving standardized particles and specific markers. This provides us with an objective and reliable framework for assessing the efficacy of anti-pollution actives,” continued Dr. Johncock. So no matter what type of pollution a person is facing, whether she is in Bangkok or Rio, skincare and cosmetic companies have the technology to create products that fight it accordingly.
Armed with this proprietary information, Symrise knew just how to fight back against these environmental aggressors with a brand new ingredient, SymUrban®.
SymUrban® is only one tool, because smog is only one air pollutant.
The Symrise portfolio of pioneering skin-defending anti-pollution ingredients is based on insights gained from top-level research. The Neo Heliopan® range brings together a variety of filters that protect the skin from UV light while Dragosine® supports overall protection against sunrays that exist outside the UV spectrum, such as infrared radiation and high-energy light (or visible light or blue light). The natural raw materials SymVital® AR and SymFinity® 1298 are also proven to reduce the intensely damaging effects of diesel exhaust particles (which exist in extremely high concentrations in cities around the world), significantly reducing the risk of inflammation and pigmentation so the consumer experiences a more even skin tone. The ingredient SymRepair®100 uses a special formula that reinforces the natural skin barrier.
Through our constant pursuit of the innovative and the insightful, plus our relentless drive to work with not only the highest caliber talent, but the most exceptional and sought after cosmetic ingredients, we’re dedicated to bringing best-in-class solutions to markets around the world.
As our world grows hotter, less protected, and defending our skin against environmental stressors becomes more challenging, it is imperative that we push to create new formulations that provide skincare and cosmetic companies with the ingredients we need to defend our skin today and tomorrow.