At the end of the day, when all is said and done, any moisturiser needs to moisturise. The term is often thrown around quite loosely and seems to mean “a cream you put on your face” but outside of protecting and repairing your skin, we at LifeJacket see genuine moisturisation of your skin as a key technological objective. To that end we have incorporated a host of ingredients that help achieve this objective and we have the clinical data to prove it.
In previous techie corner journals we spoke about collagen and the network of biological inputs that provide structural support to cells (referred to as the extracellular matrix). Both inside and outside of cells though, water is very much the meaning of life. Cells are constantly maintaining an equilibrium with the world around them through the biological process of osmosis that occurs depending on tonicity. This measures the concentration of solutes inside the cell versus outside the cell. The two levels are of course divided by the semi-permeable cell wall but the physical effect is that water either leaves the cells or enters the cells depending on the conditions.
When it comes to skin care and keeping the extracellular matrix in equilibrium, lipids in the skin try to regulate moisture balance to prevent it becoming dry. Dry skin causes a range of issues and is particularly prevalent in winter as your skin is exposed to dry air. Not only does dry skin irritate and cause discomfort but it also makes the skin brittle and prone to damage and essentially stops your skin working optimally.
One of the most important things you can do to help your skin is to stay hydrated by drinking water. This ultimately supports the extracellular matrix and the cells themselves from the inside. From the outside, we have incorporated some key technologies into our products that increase moisturisation in the dermal layers.
Cetearyl Nonanoate is an ester made from the reaction of a linear fatty acid and fatty alcohols (not to be confused with alcohol or ethanol). We included this ingredient because of its emolliency and clinically proven moisturisation and hydration benefits for the skin.
Using this ingredient, clinical in-vivo efficacy data versus a placebo shows a 25% increase in skin hydration which leads to a more radiant and supple skin appearance. Furthermore, it regulates the moisture content of the skin by forming a light hydrophobic film that protects the dermal layers from drying out. This is the mechanism by which a 60% reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was observed versus the placebo which shows the strengthening and barrier function it provides. Because Cetearyl Nonanoate has a relatively low melting point it contributes to a silky but non-oily skin feel.
Significantly increases skin hydration
A 4 week clinical study on 20 subjects was conducted. Twice daily application of three randomly assigned products (one with the ingredient, one without the ingredient, and a placebo) on the inner side (the velar) of the forearms for consistency. Corneometer and Tewameter measurements were taken 8-10 hours after the last application at day 14 and 28. The data shows that Cetearyl Nonanoate significantly increases hydration versus both the placebo and the product without this ingredient.
*p < 0.1 versus the product without the ingredient
**p < 0.1 versus the product without the ingredient and placebo
Significantly decreases transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the dermal layer
A 4 week clinical study on 20 subjects was conducted. Twice daily application of three randomly assigned products (one with the ingredient, one without the ingredient, and a placebo) on the inner side (the velar) of the forearms for consistency. Corneometer and Tewameter measurements were taken 8-10 hours after the last application at day 14 and 28. The data shows that Cetearyl Nonanoate significantly increases hydration versus both the placebo and the product without this ingredient.
*p < 0.1 versus the product without the ingredient
**p < 0.1 versus the product without the ingredient and placebo
It is just one of the many ingredients we use to help us achieve our ambition of delivering high performance formulations that benefit your skin. We’re always innovating and improving but you can be 100% reassured that all of our products are toxicologically and dermatologically tested, so you know your skin is in safe hands.
Stay safe,
