ANTI-ACNE Squalene (11% to 13% in human sebum) H H CH3 H H H H H H UVB 20 CH2 HOO H H CH3 H 40 H 60
H HOO H H H Squalene hydroperoxide Figure 5: Suppressive effect of UVB-induced squalene hydroperoxides by Radical Sponge.
oil solutions, such as creams and serums (Fig. 3).
Evaluation of safety as a cosmetic ingredient Governments and research institutions worldwide are investigating the potential applications of fullerenes and their safety. We have also performed safety tests on Biofullerene, which is a major ingredient of Radical Sponge (now referred to as ‘the water-soluble fullerene’) and LipoFullerene.7,8
In addition, it has been
biological effects in human skin cells, resulting in cell damage or cell death. Xiao et al.11
found that the scavenging All safety studies meeting
the standards for application as an external-use quasi drug demonstrated that Biofullerene did not induce any toxicity to human skin.9,10
more than five years since fullerene-based cosmetics arrived on the market and no adverse reactions have been reported to date. On the basis of the above finding and previously published data, we are certain of the safety of our product as a cosmetic ingredient for application to human skin.
Potent antioxidant capacity Oxidative stress, caused by active oxygen or free radicals, is known to be harmful to healthy skin. The main factor contributing to oxidative stress in skin tissue is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, active oxygen or free radicals are produced, which cause flecks and freckles, wrinkles, and irritation. The addition of antioxidative ingredients to cosmetic products is effective for protecting the skin from oxidative stress. UV radiation generates ROS or free radicals, which can cause a series of
32 PERSONAL CARE March 2012
effect of fullerenes eliminated free radicals and active oxygen from cells. They evaluated the UVA-induced elevation of intracellular ROS in human melanocyte HMV-II cells by using the CDCFH method. They monitored the antioxidative effect of the water-soluble fullerene against the UVA-induced generation of ROS. The water-soluble fullerene was found to prevent the UVA-induced increase in intracellular ROS and cell degeneration. From these findings of its potent antioxidative properties, fullerene is expected to reduce oxidative stress thereby helping to sustain healthy skin.
Preventive effect against squalene peroxides Squalene is one of the components of human sebaceous lipid and easily undergoes photo-oxidation, giving rise to squalene monohydroperoxide.12 Squalene peroxides have been demonstrated to be causally involved in certain skin conditions13
and induce
comedogenesis with a higher reactivity than that of other peroxides.14 Miwa et al. investigated the suppressive
effect of fullerene on squalene peroxides. Squalene oxidation products were produced by UV radiation of squalene. The authors added 2% the water-soluble fullerene solution and a non-fullerene solution (as a control) to the squalene. After UV B (35 J/cm2
) irradiation, the samples were extracted with acetone.
The amount of squalene remaining in each extract was monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography. The percentage of residual squalene in the water-soluble fullerene solution was higher than that in the control (Fig. 5). This finding indicated that fullerene suppressed the UVB-induced formation of squalene peroxides.
Availability as a treatment for acne vulgaris Results published in 2010 showed that fullerene improves acne vulgaris.1 Inui et al. evaluated the clinical efficacy of fullerene in treating acne vulgaris. Their study was conducted on 11 subjects (5 men and 6 women) aged from 23 to 39 years with a mild or moderate form of physiological acne. The subjects applied 1% LipoFullerene-containing gel (4 mL) to the entire face twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, for a period of 8 weeks. The response of the subjects was evaluated according to certain clinical features (acneiform comedos, erythematous papules, pustules, and nodules) by using facial photographs. The skin moisture level and sebum value were measured using a corneometer and a sebumeter. The LipoFullerene gel significantly reduced the number of inflammatory lesions by 23% and 38% after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively (Fig. 6). The total number of comedos was decreased by 16% and 28% after 4 and 8 weeks of use, respectively. The general active ingredients for the treatment of acne decrease the barrier function and moisture level of the skin dramatically by reducing its
H 0 0 Radical Sponge (%) 2
Remaining squalene after UVB irradiation (%)
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