Ingredients based on mussel proteins used in luxury cosmetics

By Katie Bird

- Last updated on GMT

Mussel proteins that have been modified to mimic skin framework proteins such as collagen are the active ingredients in a new luxury skin care range, LAAC.

The product range, which contains a facial mask, a UV sun cream, an anti-aging facial serum and an anti-aging eye serum, is the result of a partnership between Kollodis BioSciences and Korean-based Novacell Technology.

According to Novacell, the products are designed to rejuvenate and regenerate the skin due to the inclusion of MAPTrix ECM, an active ingredient created to mimic the activity of the extra cellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen and fibronectin.

“ECMs have been known to regulate the cellular processes such as cell growth, migration or remodelling, and essential processes for skin regeneration,” ​Novacell CEO Taehoon Lee explained.

“MAPTrix ECM is a mussel adhesive protein with genetically incorporated bioactive peptides which mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) activity of collagen, cadherin, fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin proteins,”​ Lee told CosmeticsDesign.com USA.

Mussel adhesive protein is a compound found in the sticky glue secreted by the foot of the common mussel that anchors it to rocks and other objects. Kollodis has genetically engineered these proteins to include peptide genes such as fibronectin, liminin or collagen, to produce the biofunctional mussel adhesive protein.

The new collagen?

Novacell has the priority right to use these MAP based ingredients in skin care products, and they are only available from Kollodis, said Lee, who also has high hopes for the new ingredients.

According to the CEO, MAPTrix ECM is a next generation bioactive cosmetic ingredient that will command attention in the cosmetics industry as collagen has in the past.

Hexapeptide for anti-wrinkle and whitening

LAAC skin care products also contain a synthetic hexapeptide, W3, so named for its anti-w​rinkle, w​hitening and w​ound healing properties.

W3 was identified and developed by Novacell, and the company claims it can help inhibit melanin synthesis, help increase collagen synthesis and speed up wound healing.

By combining the W3 and the MAPTrix ECM, Novacell claims the LAAC products can help repair aging skin, while having anti-wrinkle and skin whitening effects.

Commenting on the new launch, CEO Lee said: “We have finished the installation of the manufacture line and have now entered the sales phase. We are confident that the cosmeceutical market will find our LAAC products an exciting alternative to existing cosmeceutical products currently on the market.”

Related topics Formulation & science

Related news

Show more