Actichem

Cosmetic Active Ingredients

BURGEON-UP

by Filed Under: Hair Leave a Comment

A single active ingredient that prevents hair loss and hair greying and effectively promotes hair growth and regeneration – we all want it!

Understanding Hair Regeneration

First, we need to be introduced to the key players of hair growth and regeneration:

  • Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
  • DKK1
  • RSPO1

The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is crucial for hair follicle stem cell activation, hair regeneration, and overall hair follicle development. It plays a key role in the anagen phase (growth phase) of the hair cycle and is a primary target for potential hair growth therapies. 

However, DKK1 can directly inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This inhibition can lead to a delay in the transition from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase, contributing to hair loss. 

RSPO1 is a protein that plays a significant role in hair growth by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and antagonizing the effects of DKK1. Therefore, RSPO1 has a crucial dual function: 1) It activates the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway, and 2) inhibits DKK1 activity to promote hair growth and treat hair loss and greying hair.

Recombinant RSPO1 protein is now being sold and used to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and female pattern baldness. It costs around $598 for 0.5 µg and $4,400 for 0.5mg. It means that it will cost one an arm and a leg to be able to have active hair growth and solve the devastating problem of hair loss.

Introducing BURGEON-UP.

BURGEON-UP: A New Mechanism of Action

BURGEON-UP is an extract of Nasturtium Officinale (watercress) that contains the active component 2-O-Feruloyl-L-Malic Acid. The interesting part is that, only the watercress plant that is cultivated in the rich soil of Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan is the variety that produces this active component in abundance.

Based on various studies and tests, BURGEON-UP promotes the secretion of RSPO1 in the hair follicle leading to the activation of dense hair growth and treatment of AGA and female pattern baldness as well as greying hair.

BURGEON-UP

  • INCI: water, alcohol, Nasturtium Officinale Leaf/Stem Extract
  • Active component: 2-O-Feruloyl-L-Malic Acid
  • Recommended dosage: 2%

For more information on this novel hair grower active, email us at info@actichem.com.ph.

Finding Precious Gem in Arginine!

by Filed Under: Hair, Skin Leave a Comment

From amino acids to peptides to proteins – ACTICHEM got you covered.

Who would have thought that this unassuming amino acid has all the benefits both for skin and hair? To understand what I’m prattling about, read on.

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid with numerous skin and hair benefits, boasting of these physiological functions:

  • Nitric Oxide (NO) production
  • Immune function
  • Hormone regulation
  • Wound healing and tissue repair
  • Detoxification

So, let’s go on ahead and enumerate the wonders of Arginine:

SKIN BENEFITS:

  • Hydration – assists in the generation of natural moisturizing ingredients; reduces dryness; promotes softer, smoother, more supple skin by drawing water to the skin surface and sealing it in.
  • Skin barrier fortification – promotes ceramides synthesis; reduces trans-epidermal water loss.
  • Collagen production – being an amino acid, Arginine is a building block of protein, which collagen is one, the main extracellular matrix (ECM) protein. Arginine is a requirement for the production of collagen in the skin.
  • Anti-aging activity – by promoting collagen production, it reduces fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and skin sagging. Protects skin from oxidative stress which causes cell damage. Improves circulation which brings essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin, promoting skin healing and renewal.
  • Wound healing – Arginine is an active participant in various stages of tissue repair and regeneration
  • Cell proliferation and tissue regeneration – stimulates growth of endothelial and fibroblast cells. Fibroblasts generate collagen and other ECM components.
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Production of Nitric Oxide – precursor to NO formation. Nitric Oxide aids in wound healing, control of blood flow, stimulation of vasodilation, improvement of tissue repair, cell migration and signaling.
  • Antioxidant properties – eliminates free radicals

***

HAIR AND SCALP CARE:

  • Promotes hair growth – supports the production of Nitric Oxide (NO). NO dilates blood vessels and improves circulation.
  • Strengthens hair
  • Hair regenerative properties – repairs damaged hair; stimulates keratin production
  • Maintains scalp health – improves blood flow to scalp; helps alleviate dandruff, itchiness, dermatitis.
  • Reduces hair loss – strengthens hair shaft and anchors it more securely in the follicle.

Applications:

  • Anti-aging products: anti-wrinkle, lifting, firming, contouring serums, creams, lotions
  • Hair grower serums, shampoo, conditioner
  • Leave-in conditioner, hair mask, gel, cream

Our Product:

SpecKare ARG 100% pure

____________________________________________________________________________

***Reference: clinikally.com

Natura-Tec SeaRenew

by Filed Under: Hair Leave a Comment

Natura-Tec SeaRenew stimulates hair growth and strength by reducing hair loss and increasing hair density.

Natura-Tec SeaRenew is a unique infusion of sapote oil and nannochloropsis oceanica extract, a powerful microalgae active that is rich in sterols.. This infusion is optimized and concentrated to promote and support hair growth and strength.

Sapote oil is extracted from the seeds of the pouteria sapota fruit, more commonly known in the Philippines as chico. The sapote oil is an active oil rich in lupeol which is a triterpene alcohol inducing keratinocyte differentiation and is also rich in omega 6 and 9 stimulating hair growth and skin regeneration. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids and minerals. It serves as a great moisturizer for dry skin and is known as a hair revitalizer. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cell-repairing properties, this oil is useful for alleviating annoying conditions such as dandruff or eczema and is very effective in controlling hair loss caused by seborrheic dermatitis.

Nannochloropsis oceanica extract on the other hand has an extremely high cholesterol content (> 70% total sterol). This species is the very first substantial source of cholesterol from microalgae. Cholesterol is essential for eukaryotic organisms and specially plays an important role in hair vitality. The sebocytes, epithelial cells forming the sebum, release lipids such as cholesterol, squalene, waxes, and triglycerides at the end of their differentiation and thus protect the hair against dehydration and participate in the microbial ecosystem. Cholesterol is thus essential for healthy hair.

In vitro test shows the ability of Natura-Tec SeaRenew to induce an intense proliferation of human follicle dermal papilla fibroblasts. Papilla fibroblasts are involved in hair growth regulation and are located at the root of hair follicle.

After 72 hours, Natura-Tec SeaRenew shows a significant fibroblast proliferation of 53% already with 0.5% of active application and 70% with 5% of use.

For more information on this product, please contact us.

Phyto Collage (N)

by Filed Under: Hair, Skin Leave a Comment

Phyto Collage (N) is a colorless aqueous, plant-based solution with a high viscosity extracted from fermented soybeans, a product of Ichimaru Pharcos, Japan.

soybeans

Background:

For years, collagen has been used as a raw material for various kinds of cosmetic products. With its effective moisturization and skin protection activities, moderate viscosity, and close affinity to the skin, collagen is greatly beneficial to skin, especially in helping slow down aging.

But the collagen that is of animal origin has also its own disadvantages when it comes to heat stability, pH stability, and compatibility with other raw materials. Furthermore, there is a trend toward avoidance of raw materials of animal origin in accordance with animal protection laws in Europe and the United States. On top of it all, there has been recent problems with livestock, such as cattle, possessing FMD (foot-and-mouth disease).

Phyto Collage (N) was developed to offer a good alternative for animal collagen. A colorless aqueous solution with a high viscosity, Phyto Collage (N) is prepared by purifying high molecular weight materials, the main constituent of which is glutamic acid extracted from fermented soybeans.

Characteristics:

  • Good Moisturization Effect

Determination of TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss) in the skin’s horny layer showed that Phyto Collage (N) has similar moisturization effect with that of animal origin. Phyto Collage (N) promotes the production of Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) which is one of the components of natural mositurizing factor or NMF.

  • Excellent Skin After-feel: Phyto Collage (N) imparts smoothness to skin without tackiness.
  • Stability:

Phyto Collage (N) has more superior thermal and pH stabilities than animal collagen. It has also good compatibility with other ingredients in formulations.

Applications:

  • Skin Care: anti-aging and sun-protection creams and lotions, eye creams
  • Hair Care: shampoos, conditioners, hair tonics and creams, leave-on conditioners

Bio-antiage

by Filed Under: Hair, Skin

Bio-antiage is a complex of 3 kinds of plants, namely, Pueraria Lobata Ohwi, Aloe Barbadensis Miller, and Chlorella Vulgaris Chick; a product of Ichimaru Pharcos of Japan.

Background

pueraria lobataThe extract of Pueraria Lobata Ohwi has been known to have antifebrile [efficacious against fever; antipyretic] and anticramp properties. It contains isoflavones which exhibit a property like that of female hormones.

Fresh aloe extract is used to treat sunburns; its soothing effect on skin promotes healing. It has also been aloe veraknown to stimulate healthy hair growth and is effective against acne.

Chlorella is a green spherical single-celled freshwater micro-algae and has been on earth for over 2.5 chlorellabillion years. It is mainly composed of proteins and amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is rich in beta-carotene and unsaturated fatty acids. It has been known to possess protective and healing properties.

Activity:

  • skin whitening activity
  • moisturizing effect
  • skin cells proliferation

In melanin formation inhibition tests using B16 melanoma cells, Bio-antiage exhibited a stronger melanin inhibitory effect than placenta extract.

Refined Honey

by Filed Under: Hair, Skin Leave a Comment

Since ancient times, honey has been consumed for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. It was also widely used as a natural remedy for treating wounds because of its healing properties owing largely to its anti-bacterial activity. Just recently, I read a historical novel set in the Medieval times (yes, I read such books). For the first time, I learned about the use of honey in treating burns and fending off infection. Also, there was an article I read recently of the use of honey (combined with flour) in removing lipomas naturally and safely.

honey

Honey is mostly composed of sugars, water, acids, proteins, amino acids, and minerals. Because of its complex composition, honey exhibits many interesting properties. These same properties are now being fully utilized in skin and hair care applications.

Honey is a natural moisturizer and softener. When applied to the skin, it imparts softness and smoothness with a refreshing feel. The same moisturizing and softening properties also find their use in hair conditioners, imparting silkiness to hair and in hair treatments as these help prevent hair fall and strengthen hair follicles.

As mentioned above, honey also possesses antimicrobial as well as wound-healing properties. In skin care applications, these promote the skin’s ability to rejuvenate and replenish damaged or depleted skin, leaving it feeling silky soft and supple. In hair care, this anti-bacterial property works to prevent scalp infections, promoting healthy hair growth.

Because of its high viscosity, honey is a great vehicle for facial and body scrubs. It is easily rinsed off with water without leaving a greasy feel. Honey should be a staple in spa products.

Applications:

  • Skin care: anti-aging, sun care, facial and body scrubs
  • Hair care: shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, tonics, leave-on conditioners
References:
  1. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity; PMC, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
  2. Honey Composition and Properties by By J. W. White, Jr. and Landis W. Doner; Bee Source
  3. Favorite Tips on Natural Skin Care With Honey; Benefits of Honey
  4. 6 Amazing Benefits Of Honey For Hair Growth; Stylecraze

Subscribe

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email.