Silab uses HBA to showcase Osilift

The active ingredient has been developed from a purified polyose fraction that is naturally derived from oats, and has a three dimensional high-molecular weight network made of complex sugars. It is said to have a distinct tensor effect and its efficacy stems from the fact that once topically applied to the skin it forms a continuous, cohesive elastic film that helps to bind skin cells closer together. According to Gael Le Matayer, vice president of the France-based company's US division, testing has shown that the ingredient can bring about immediate tensor and smoothing effects for the skin, as well as providing short- and long-term anti-wrinkle action and improving make-up application. According to the company's in-house research team, after 28 days of applying the ingredient twice daily, 67 percent of volunteers reported that their skin was less wrinkled, 86 percent reported an increased tensor effect and 72 percent said that make-up application had improved. Indeed the company claims that the technology can provide a lifting effect up to four hours after being applied and is appropriate for a range of products, from body creams to a the complete spectrum of facial products. The newly developed technology is expected to appear in a globally launched anti-aging product imminently and Le Matayer says that a number of other companies are also showing interest in taking up on it. The ingredient has also been geared up to the needs of formulators by making it relatively insensitive to pH variations, while also being light in color, which means it can be incorporated into the whitest of creams or clearest serums without any effect. Last week Silab was thrown into the show limelight after winning the HBA​ award for best International Technology with Coheliss, a rice-derived anti-aging product that is said to provide a long-lasting tensor effect on the skin and can help to repair skin damage. Launched a year ago, the technology has wound its way into anti-aging formulations worldwide due to its effectiveness in influencing the biochemical properties of the skin, in turn helping provide an effective anti-wrinkle and smoothing effect. "This product is in fact a treatment for wrinkles, rather than just a temporary means of preventing them," said Le Metayer. "Furthermore it is an economical technology, meaning that it is appearing in a wide variety of anti-aging treatments. I think the judges liked this particular aspect in particular," he added. With a current turnover of $35m Silab is currently looking to expand its operations by broadening its portfolio of anti-aging ingredients and technologies aimed at the skin care segment. In an effort to fulfill this aim the company is expanding its research and developments capabilities from 500 square metres to a new facility of 3,500 square metres. The new facilities will be opening in 2008, near the company's headquarters in Saint Viance, Southwest France, and will house an analytical unit together with a cellular and molecular laboratory as well as an immunology and biometrology laboratory.