matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibitors

Ascorbic Acid -L (ultra fine powder)

L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential nutrient which has many cosmetic benefits. It is a remarkable antioxidant and can scavenge reactive oxygen species and other free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress. It can stimulate collagen synthesis by promoting cross-linking and stabilizing collagen molecules, upregulating collagen genes, increasing the transcription of the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, and inducing fibroblast proliferation. It reduces pigmentation by suppressing tyrosinase, which is important for melanin production. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and can be used to treat inflammatory skin disease such as erythema. Together, L-ascorbic acid provides powerful anti-aging properties and has been shown to reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, and protect against sun damage. Stability and absorption of L-ascorbic acid is a concern. While the anhydrous L-ascorbic acid might be the most stable form, adding vitamin E not only helps stabilizing L-ascorbic acid, but the two have synergistic effects on anti-aging. Used in: philosopy's turbo booster c powder and SkinCeuticals.

Key benefts of L-ascorbic acid in skin care:

Anti-inflammatory ^[31]
Antioxidant^{[4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}
Increase skin elasticity ^[26]
Lightening and brightening^{[4] [22] [28] [29] [30]}
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibitors ^[19]
Moisturizing and hydration ^[21]
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^{[7] [21] [22] [25] [26]}
Ttimulate collagen production^{[5] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]}
Sun damage protection ^{[9] [11]}
Sun damage repair ^{[6] [22] [26]}
Teat hyperpigmentation ^{[4] [9] [22] [25] [28] [29] [30]}
Wrinkle relaxers ^[22]

$7.10

Boswellia serrata (Boswelic acid)

Resin from the Boswella serrata tree found in parts of Asia and Africa is commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of disorders associated with inflammation. It has been used medicinally for centuries and is now gaining support through research. The main ingredients of the resin are boswellic acids. Boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically. Preparations using either the resin or pure boswellic acid extracted from the resin can help treat inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis, eczema, and psoriasis. The extract helps reduce sun damage, fine lines, and acne. It stimulates collagen production. Also, it aids in wound healing and inhibits tumor growth. Research shows boswella serrata extract has a variety of useful anti-inflammatory effects and can help alleviate the symptoms of a variety of conditions. This extract has been popularized as Boswelox™ by L’Oreal and its Wrinkle-de-crease.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Boswellia serrata (Boswelic acid) as a liquid standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

16% solution gives 1% Boswelic Acid content in final product.
46% solution gives 3% Boswelic Acid content in final product.
66% solution gives 5% Boswelic Acid content in final product.

Key benefits of Boswellia serrata in skin care:

Anti-inflammatory ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]}
Sun damage repair^{[1] [5]}
Stimulate collagen production ^[1]
Reduce fine lines ^{[1] [5]}
Anti-bacterial ^[10]
Anti-acne ^[10]
Tumor inhibition^[3]
Wound healing support^[4]

$7.75

Fucoidan is a dietary fiber extracted from brown seaweed which belongs to a class of fucose-enriched sulphated polysaccharides. Fucoidan has been used for many years in traditional Asian medicine as an anti-coagulant, anti-thrombotic, anti-cancer agent, and to modify immune responses. Topical formulations have recently been investigated for various therapeutic and cosmetic uses. Due to anti-inflammatory and procollagen synthesis-stimulating properties, fucoidan holds promise for use healing burns, alleviating allergic reactions, and treating atopic dermatitis. Additionally, fucoidans can increase dermal fibroblast migration and their rate of proliferation. In several experimental approaches, fucoidan has been shown to successfully reduce the appearance of aging and to promote hair regeneration. Fucoidan is also present in our seakelp biofermentl, but this powder fucoidan is standardized for 85% of the active ingredient.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Fucoidan as a standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

Key benefits of Fucoidan in skin care:

Anti-inflammatory ^{[1] [4] [8] [9] [10] [11]}
Scar care ^{[5] [6] [7]}
Wound healing support ^{[5] [6] 7]}
Stimulate collagen production ^{[2] [15] [16] [18]}
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^{[2, 15, 16, 18]}
Moisturizing and hydration^{[15] [16] [18]}
Increase skin elasticity^[6]
Sun damage repair ^{[16] [17]}
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibitors ^{[15] [17]}
Anti-androgenetic alopecia ^[18]

$25.60

Green tea has numerous benefits in almost all aspects of skin care. The main active ingredient, EGCG, is a potent antioxidant, and protects skin from UV damage. This results in reduced wrinkling, increased collagen content, smoother skin, thicker and more elastic epidermis and other visual benefits. Green tea also helps to moisturize the skin and improves the long-term barrier capabilities. Among the numerous clinical benefits are antibacterial and antifungal effects, which make green tea useful in wound care. Most important health effect is the prevention of melanoma and other types of skin cancer, resulting partly from the EGCG capability to neutralize free radicals and activate DNA repair. Since the extract also reduces inflammation and sebum secretion, it is an effective treatment against acne. Finally, green tea has also been proven to reduce hair loss and follicle death. Active ingredient in Teamine™ and ReVive™ lines.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Green Tea EGCG in a standardized, pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

11% solution gives 1% EGCG content in final product.
33% solution gives 3% EGCG content in final product.
54% solution gives 5% EGCG content in final product.

Key benefits of Green Tea EGCG in skin care:

Sun damage protection^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}
Sun damage repair ^{[1] [2] [3]}
Antioxidant ^{[1] [2] [3] [7]}
Capillary health ^[19]
Moisturizing & hydration ^{[8] [9] [11]}
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^{[10] [11]}
Wound healing support ^{[17] [18]}
Oil/sebum control ^[12]
Lightening & brightening^[6]
Restore barrier function ^{[8] [9]}
Anti-inflammatory ^[1]
Anti-acne ^{[12] [13]}
Anti-bacterial ^{[13] [14] [16]}

$17.05

Phytosterols are a family of plant-produced molecules with diverse health benefits. In cosmetics, the ability to stimulate collagen production is most interesting. Together with antioxidant activity and down-regulation of collagen degrading enzymes, these abilities help repair damage in photoaged skin. Phytosterols also have anti-inflammatory properties, which are useful in UV protection, dermatitis treatment, and even cancer prevention. They are widely used in burn wound care – phytosterols were found to improve healing, improve scar appearance and possess analgesic properties, reducing the need of opiate drugs. Antimicrobial activity of phytosterols is also important in skin care, as it can be utilized in both wound care and general fight against infections, such as Candida. Finally, phytosterols regulate transport of cholesterol and thus sebum production – this may present a good treatment option for acne and other sebum-related conditions.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Phytosterol in a standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

11% solution gives 1% Phytosterols content in final product.
32% solution gives 3% Phytosterols content in final product.
53% solution gives 5% Phytosterols content in final product.

Key benefits of Phytosterols in skin care:

Anti-inflammatory [2], [12]–[14]
Anti-bacterial [6], [7]
Oil/sebum control [8]
Anti-acne [8]
Sun damage protection [10], [11]
Stimulate collagen production [9]–[11]
Restore barrier function [5]
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors [9]–[11]
Wound healing support [3]–[5]
Scar care [3]–[5]

$6.45

Pomegranate (40% Ellagic)

Pomegranates have been used in medicine since ancient times. The extract of this plant contains many compounds acting synergistically to produce strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps maintain collagen levels, both by promoting its synthesis and inhibiting collagen-degrading enzymes. Due to these properties, pomegranate extract has a range of benefits in UV protection – it can be used both to prevent and to reduce sunlight damage (photoageing) after exposure. Furthermore, it is an effective skin whitening agent, used to treat melasma and other hyperpigmentation problems. Finally, faster wound healing is observed when using this extract. Combined with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to increase collagen synthesis, this makes pomegranate extract beneficial in many aspects of wound care.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Pomegranate Extract as a standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

25% solution gives 1% Ellagic Acid content in final product.
75% solution gives 3% Ellagic Acid content in final product.
13% solution gives 1% Polyphenols content in final product.
39% solution gives 3% Polyphenols content in final product.
65% solution gives 5% Polyphenols content in final product.

Key benefits of Pomegranate extract in skin care:

Sun damage protection [4], [7], [8]
Sun damage repair [7]–[9]
Antioxidant [1]–[4]
Glycation inhibitor and repair [3]
Anti-bacterial [2], [16]
Lightening and brightening [6], [10]–[12]
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors [8], [9]
Stimulate collagen production [9]
Treat hyperpigmentation [10]–[12]
Wound healing support [13]–[16]
Anti-inflammatory [6], [8], [15]

$7.30

Resveratrol (Trans-resveratrol 98%)

Resveratrol is a compound found in grapes and many other plants. It is currently investigated in many skincare applications. Resveratrol protects cells from oxidative stress – it is an antioxidant itself, and activates the synthesis of other such compounds. It also regulates inflammatory responses and even aids the distribution of cosmetical sunscreens, thus helping to prevent UV damage to the skin. Similarities in structure allow resveratrol to replace estrogen in post-menopausal women, helping to reduce collagen loss and reduce skin ageing symptoms. Additionally, it counters photoageing by inhibiting melanin synthesis, resulting in lighter skin and less pigmented spots. Even acne can be alleviated by applying resveratrol, as it has antibacterial properties and controls sebaceous cell growth. Finally, it is a promising agent in melanoma prevention, able to delay the emergence and reduce the size of skin tumors.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Resveratrol in a standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

Key benefits of Resveratrol in skin care:

Anti-acne [15]–[17]
Anti-bacterial [16]
Antioxidant [1]–[4]
Anti-inflammatory [1], [4], [8], [9]
Sun damage protection [1], [6]–[8], [11]
Increase skin elasticity [14]
Lightening & brightening [10]–[13]
Natural phytoestrogens [1], [8], [9]

$7.10

Soy isoflavones are comparatively new in regards to cosmetic use, however, studies show they have multiple skin-benefitting properties.Isoflavones are structurally similar to estrogens and can activate estrogen signaling pathways, including collagen synthesis, to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase tissue hydration.Additionally isoflavones are powerful antioxidants that can halt and reverse the appearance of aging due to free radicals caused by sunlight and other environmental hazards.As such, soy isoflavones are useful in reducing redness of the skin and decreasing the appearance of dark spots.These properties make soy isoflavones ideal for use in anti-aging, moisturizing, and skin protecting creams.

Key benefits of Soy isoflavones on skin care:

Anti-inflammatory [6, 11, 12]
Antioxidant [3, 6]
Increase skin elasticity [1, 4, 5, 15]
Matrix metalloproteinase [MMP] inhibitors [9]
Moisturizing and hydration [5, 15]
Natural phytoestrogens [3, 15]
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles [1, 4, 5, 15]
Stimulate collagen production [1, 4, 5, 15]
Sun damage protection [3, 6, 11, 12, 14]
Sun damage repair [3, 6, 11, 12, 14]
Treat hyperpigmentation [3]

$14.20

Vitamin E Natural Mixed Tocopherols

Natural Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols is an active blend of natural mixed tocopherols containing naturally occurring d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta tocopherols. These are NATURAL tocopherols, they are NOT the synthetic, racemix dl-tocopherol or dl-tocopheryl acetate.

Tocopherol is the most commonly used form of vitamin E in cosmetic products. α-tocopherol, one of four types of tocopherol, is the most abundant form of vitamin E naturally found in the skin. α and γ forms are excreted in sebum [oil] and act as a barrier for the skin. The amount of tocopherol in the skin decreases over time due to sun exposure. Tocopherols are strong anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants help protect against skin aging. Tocopherols use their anti-oxidant ability to protect against sun damage and repair sun damage. They increase collagen production and protect existing collagen by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase [MMP] that degrades collagen. Mixed tocopherols have anti-inflammatory properties and accelerate wound healing.

Key benefits of Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols in skin care:

Antioxidant [1-15]
Sun damage protection [2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15]
Sun damage repair [12]
Anti-inflammatory [2, 5, 10, 14]
Wound Healing Support [5]
Matrix Metalloproteinase [MMP] inhibitors [11]
Stimulate collagen production [5]
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles [3]

$26.30

White Willow bark (Salicin 85%)

White willow bark extract has been used by many cultures to reduce pain and inflammation. It contains salicin, a natural form of salicylic acid known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Salicin can reduce signs of aging by reducing the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and pigmentation. It also softens and moisturizes the skin. Salicin contributes to white willow bark extract’s exfoliating and acne-reducing power. White willow bark extract also contains polyphenols that contribute anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These can help protect against sun damage and premature aging when used with sunscreen. White willow bark extract is a natural alternative to salicylic acid that has additional properties to enhance skin health.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell White Willow bark extract as a standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

Key benefits of White Willow bark (salicin) in skin care:

Anti-inflammatory [3] [4] [6] [8]
Anti-oxidant [4] [7]
Anti-acne [5]
Anti-bacterial [7]
Anti-blackheads [5] [7]
Oil/sebum control [5]
Pore refinement [2] [3]
Sun damage repair [7]
Treat hyperpigmentation [2]
Exfoliating [5]
Moisturizing and hydration [1] [2]
Wrinkle tightener [2]
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles [2]
Stimulate HA production [1]
Matrix metalloproteinases [MMP] inhibitor [1]

$12.45

Green Tea Polyphenols

Green tea is one of the richest source of polyphenols – phytochemicals that are very beneficial for the human body, including our skin. Besides ECGC (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), green tea has numerous other polyphenolic compounds with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Research on Green Tea Polyphenols (GTPP) showed that their anti-oxidant potency sometimes surpasses Vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene. GTPP provide efficient protection against UV radiation and fight photo-aging. Furthermore, in topical application, green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that along inhibiting sebum production makes GTPP a great addition in anti-acne formulations. The anti-inflammatory properties are also useful in other skin conditions such as rosacea and dermatitis. Last, but not least, GTPP has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. With such versatility, green tea polyphenols are a great ingredient for a wide array of DIY formulations.

Key benefits of Green Tea Polyphenols in Skin Care

Anti-acne [8,9]
Anti-oxidant [2, 3, 7].
Lightening and brightening [4,10]
Moisturizing and hydration [1, 14]
Oil/sebum control [8,9]
Sun damage protection [4,5,6]
Sun damage repair [6]
Treat hyperpigmentation [4,10]

$4.10