147 Cereus grandiflorus (Cactus) Flower Extract – A New Natural Skin Anti-Aging Ingredient with Multiple Properties

Abstract

Sensitive skin is a common condition characterized by discomfort with visible symptoms such as dryness and redness, usually triggered by hypersensitivity to a range of stimuli -physical, chemical, and hormonal. Previous studies have shown that impaired barrier function as one of the most predisposing factors in triggering skin sensitivity. In addition, decreased levels of intercellular lipids, impaired epidermal cohesion, and overreactive sensory receptors was observed in individuals with sensitive skin. However, there are very limited treatment options that are effective in treating sensitive skin. Here, we designed a cosmetic formulation to target 3 key factors that can help alleviate symptoms associated with skin sensitivity: a combination of lipid profile identical to the skin's natural ratio -1:3:1 ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, a nociceptor (TRPV-1) antagonist, and a botanical extract that reduces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. An IRB approved, controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate facial redness in volunteers with moderate to persistent facial redness after 4 weeks and barrier recovery at 24 hrs. following barrier disruption via tape stripping. The cosmetic formulation significantly decreased visible redness after 2 and 4 weeks compared to baseline and accelerated barrier recovery compared to untreated controls. This formulation provides an effective treatment to alleviate 2 of the most common concerns associated with sensitive skin.