MOLECULAR SCIENCE

To be effective, the ingredients of which the molecular cosmetic products are made must be able to cross the outer surface of the epidermis (stratum corneum) to reach its deepest layer (stratum basale). This skin penetration is ensured by the various “routes” which the ingredients can take according to their particular molecular structures.

I Coloniali skin care products contain ingredients selected for their low molecular weight which guide the other, larger-molecule ingredients by acting as “carriers”. The plant extracts are thus conducted to the lower layers of the skin where their bioavailability is maximised and where they can release energy more effectively and are more bioactive.

This molecular-cosmetics approach was studied with the help of the University of Pavia’s Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and was assessed by dermatology experts. This was to ensure that the natural ingredients had a higher bioavailability in order to improve the product’s effectiveness. This step was assessed by dermatology experts in order to ensure that the active natural ingredients had higher bioavailability so that the cosmetic product’s effectiveness was improved.

Nowadays, herbal-based ingredients are those most sought after by consumers because they have more beneficial properties than synthetic products and are biodegradable.

I Coloniali has therefore invested a great deal in research to produce molecular cosmetic products developed from formulations based on specific treatment. These are mixtures of herbs which are known to offer a wide range of benefits to various types of skin. Exploring new angles with the help of molecular science to advance modern cosmetic products.

The strength of molecular cosmetics lies in its ability to exploit the natural molecules present in plant extracts; these formulations are able to penetrate the skin deeply and nourish it.

In-depth studies have shown that diffusion through the skin depends on the shape and size of these biomolecules. There is a correlation in the diffusion model between the use of low molecular weight biological compounds and better skin penetration, and therefore greater moisturising properties.

The research topics dealt with by the plant biotechnology laboratory experts in this scientific context come under the heading of molecular biology and range from damage to the DNA and its repair to the antioxidant properties of plants.

These topics are of great interest in the development of molecular cosmetics by I Coloniali, since biomolecules extracted from plants serve as the main materials in the production of beauty products.

The University of Pavia’s Department of Biology and Biotechnology has developed effective techniques for monitoring changes in DNA and the kinetics of DNA repair in their laboratory. This collaboration extends into the experimental design of methods for testing plant extracts and biomolecules for potential future use in the cosmetic industry.

As well as the scientific data, many historical images depicting every species of plant have been collected. These are currently stored and preserved in the University of Pavia library.

Source: dossier