Cappuccino extract as the latest anti-aging ingredient
skin and hair, adding to a growing number of nutraceutical
supplements with cosmetic claims currently on the market.
The extract, for oral or topical use, promises to help maintain healthy skin and hair, and prevent against premature aging, due largely to the antioxidant properties of its ingredients, coffee and cocoa. As well as cocoa and coffee, the cappuccino extract contains the glycerine sodium polyacrylate which, according to the company, forms a protective layer when applied to the skin, gradually releasing water and glycerine and therefore promoting prolonged skin hydration. The distributor, New York based Iris trade, references a study published in 2003 in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry that suggests cocoa has a higher antioxidant capacity than red wine and teas. "Cocoa contained higher levels of total phenolics and flavonoids per serving than black tea, green tea and red wine", wrote the authors. Furthermore, the company reference research, published in the British Journal of Dermatology in May, that suggests caffeine, when topically applied, could repair UV damage in skin. "These findings support the concept that topical applications of caffeine to mouse skin after UV irradiation promotes the deletion of DNA-damaged keratinocytes and may partially diminish photodamage as well as photocarcinogenesis", wrote the authors. The combination of antioxidants in the Cappuccino extract can help promote healthier looking skin, prevent aging, treat dry and damaged skin, and condition dry and colored hair, according to Iris Trade. Iris Trade specializes in the Brazilian, Chinese and American markets, and offers a range of products to be used in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, chemical and nutraceutical industries. One of the company's more intriguing offerings is its snail extract, to be used in cosmetics products due to its ability to 'allow skin to heal and regenerate'. According to Iris Trade, the extract contains proteins and vitamins that enrich and soften the skin, as well as collagen and elastin. In addition, the extract is a source of glycolic acid, an exfoliant, and allantoin which is responsible for the skin regeneration.
