Contamination affects nearly every corner of the World, from the atmosphere to the seas, passing through indoor air and tap water. In addition to the repercussion it has on our health, pollution has very negative effects on the skin. Irritation, allergies and premature aging are direct consequences of the continuous contact that we have with pollutants, which even penetrate the skin.

Awarded in 2017 as the Best Skin Care Product for Europe in the Regional Beauty Industry Awards organized by Cosmetics Design, Lipotec™’s POLLUSHIELD™ functional ingredient can help prevent accumulation of pollution particles in the epidermis and replenish the skin with antioxidants, increasing its capacity to resist the harm caused by heavy metals, particulate matter (PM) and other harmful elements found in big cities and other polluted areas.

Its effectiveness was first tested in Beijing, China, where 20 female volunteers between 26 and 62 years old regularly exposed to air pollution applied a cream containing 5% ingredient on half face and a placebo cream on the other half, twice a day. After 30 days of treatment a drastic decrease of metals and lipid peroxides as well as an improved skin antioxidative power were observed.

A later clinical assay was performed in Milan. This time 20 female volunteers between 43-69 years old with dark spots and dull complexion applied a cream containing 2% ingredient on half face and a placebo cream on the other half, twice a day, and spent 2-3 hours a day in the traffic. After 14 days of treatment, facial dark spots - a visible manifestation of pollution damage- became lighter and skin dullness was reversed, giving a brighter complexion to the skin.

Complementary, a self-assessment evaluation questionnaire was completed by the volunteers with the majority confirming perceived changes in facial glow and a smoother skin.

Combination of a polymer with metal chelating properties and a potent reactive species scavenger, POLLUSHIELD™ functional ingredient offers protection against the damage induced by pollution while helping achieve an improved skin complexion, reducing the appearance of dullness and spots.

This functional ingredient can be included in cosmetic formulations seeking to provide daily anti-pollution care as well as in anti-aging products to protect skin that is sensitive or more vulnerable to ambient contaminants.

We all must do everything possible to reduce pollution, and meanwhile we can keep our skin healthy and protected all day long.