BACKGROUND

The global cosmetics market estimated at 203 billion € in 2015 is growing steadily.

The prohibition of parabens in cosmetics has increased interest for natural preservatives.

A French laboratory with internationally recognized expertise in characterization of natural compounds synthesized new biocidal active ingredients.

HOW IT WORKS

These compounds are a new family of alkaloids derived from viscosaline, a natural 3-alkylpyridinium salt produced by sea sponges.

Antimicrobial activity tests:

•  These compounds demonstrate anti-adhesion activities against yeast (i.e. Candida albicans), fungi (i.e. Aspergillus brasiliensis) and terrestrial bacteria (i.e. Staphylococcus aureus)
•  Activity up to activity up to 99,99% at 0,1 mg/mL ; MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) up to 0,01 mg/mL

Phenoloxidase test: activity of skin lightening (MIC 0,8 – 1,8 µg/mL)

KEY BENEFITS vs. STATE OF THE ART

Viscosaline is very difficult to synthetize and show low biocide activity

Our bio-inspired compounds have many advantages:

•  A dual activity: skin lightening and natural preservatives
•  An easy and efficient chemical synthesis with eco-compatible natural building blocks
•  Specifically inhibit high-risk pathogenic microbial strains causing skin or eye infections in topical cosmetics
•  Broad-spectrum anti-adhesion activity: fungi, yeast, marine and terrestrial bacteria, and microalgae 
•  Biodegradable: potential very low impact on the environment
•  Potential weak toxicity

APPLICATIONS

Cosmetics:

•  Natural preservatives
•  Skin lightening creams