Provital, the Spanish manufacturer of natural active ingredients and plant extracts, has unveiled ‘Retilance’, a new ingredient for anti-ageing skincare. It is derived from the root of the Cangzhu herb (Atractylodes lancea), a plant that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Retilance is designed to mimic the beneficial properties of classic retinol without causing the typical skin irritation, redness, dryness or flaking, explained the Barcelona-based company. The plant extract is said to promote skin regeneration, reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Targeted action on skin cells

According to the company, the new active ingredient acts on the same cell receptors as retinol, but specifically activates those biological processes that are important for skin renewal and collagen formation. Laboratory tests on human skin cells have shown that Retilance mimics around 80 per cent of the gene activity triggered by retinol. Unlike retinol, however, the plant extract does not activate a specific signalling pathway associated with skin irritation. Provital expects this to deliver a comparable anti-ageing effect and a multidimensional radiance, whilst offering better skin tolerance.

Clinical trials demonstrate efficacy

In clinical trials involving 113 volunteers, a formulation containing two per cent Retilance significantly improved skin firmness, elasticity, hydration and skin texture compared with a placebo and compared with retinol, whilst also reducing wrinkle depth. The first visible results were observed after just 14 days. Compared with a formulation containing 0.3 per cent retinol, Retilance achieved a similar anti-ageing effect and a ten per cent increase in skin radiance. Even sensitive skin tolerated the active ingredient well. According to Provital, Retilance is 100 per cent of natural origin, suitable for vegan cosmetics and COSMOS-certified.

Source: Provital