Figure 1. Formation of bioactive complexes
THE BRAINS BEHIND THE GLOW
The Bioactive Complex
The Bionova approach begins with individualized bioactive complexes. Each complex is comprised of a multitude of compounds designed to address your specific skin needs, based on skin type, treated area and affliction (fig. 1).
Rather than looking to external solutions from the world outside of our bodies, we specifically looked for those from within. Therefore, the substances contained within our bioactive complexes are not only biologically active beyond the cutaneous layers (they actually have the ability to produce genuine results below the skin surface) but actually mimic the compounds found naturally within the skin itself.
Each Bionova formula contains a unique combination of bioactive complexes crafted to address each specific skin anomaly and need.
Figure 1. Formation of bioactive complexes
The Bionova approach begins with individualized bioactive complexes. Each complex is comprised of a multitude of compounds designed to address your specific skin needs, based on skin type, treated area and affliction (fig. 1).
Rather than looking to external solutions from the world outside of our bodies, we specifically looked for those from within. Therefore, the substances contained within our bioactive complexes are not only biologically active beyond the cutaneous layers (they actually have the ability to produce genuine results below the skin surface) but actually mimic the compounds found naturally within the skin itself.
Each Bionova formula contains a unique combination of bioactive complexes crafted to address each specific skin anomaly and need.
The Delivery System
However, for a skincare formulation to be effective, it needs to be able to efficiently and effectively penetrate the superficial layers of the epidermis. Unfortunately, overcoming the physical barriers of the skin structure represents one of the biggest challenges facing cosmetic scientists in the industry at large.
This is why our NuCell Direct™ Delivery System is one of the most critical components of Bionova technology (fig. 2). But, in order to understand the importance of transdermal ingredient-delivery systems, we must first discuss the underlying structures and mechanisms of the skin itself.
Figure 2. NuCell Direct™ Delivery System
The outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, provides critical protection for the underlying tissues from external environmental hazards including bacterium, toxins, and allergens (fig. 3). Unfortunately, this defensive barrier also inhibits the penetration of active & inactive ingredients.
Traditional skincare formulations deal with this in one of two ways:
The first is to allow their active ingredients to roam free in solution, making dubious claims and maintaining little-to-no bioavailability. This dupes the consumer into paying for expensive ingredients that are unable to penetrate the epidermis at a level sufficient to generate genuine results.
Moreover, in order to balance out this discrepancy, some companies will increase the concentration of actives– which has little impact on barrier penetration but can have an enormous impact on barrier irritation.
Figure 3. Stratum corneum & the underlying skin structure
However, for a skincare formulation to be effective, it needs to be able to efficiently and effectively penetrate the superficial layers of the epidermis. Unfortunately, overcoming the physical barriers of the skin structure represents one of the biggest challenges facing cosmetic scientists in the industry at large.
This is why our NuCell Direct™ Delivery System is one of the most critical components of Bionova technology (fig. 2). But, in order to understand the importance of transdermal ingredient-delivery systems, we must first discuss the underlying structures and mechanisms of the skin itself.
However, for a skincare formulation to be effective, it needs to be able to efficiently and effectively penetrate the superficial layers of the epidermis. Unfortunately, overcoming the physical barriers of the skin structure represents one of the biggest challenges facing cosmetic scientists in the industry at large.
This is why our NuCell Direct™ Delivery System is one of the most critical components of Bionova technology (fig. 2). But, in order to understand the importance of transdermal ingredient-delivery systems, we must first discuss the underlying structures and mechanisms of the skin itself.
Figure 2. NuCell Direct™ Delivery System
The outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, provides critical protection for the underlying tissues from external environmental hazards including bacterium, toxins, and allergens (fig. 3).
Unfortunately, this defensive barrier also inhibits the penetration of active & inactive ingredients.
Traditional skincare formulations deal with this in one of two ways: The first is to allow their active ingredients to roam free in solution, making dubious claims and maintaining little-to-no bioavailability.
This dupes the consumer into paying for expensive ingredients that are unable to penetrate the epidermis at a level sufficient to generate genuine results.
However, for a skincare formulation to be effective, it needs to be able to efficiently and effectively penetrate the superficial layers of the epidermis. Unfortunately, overcoming the physical barriers of the skin structure represents one of the biggest challenges facing cosmetic scientists in the industry at large.
This is why our NuCell Direct™ Delivery System is one of the most critical components of Bionova technology (fig. 2). But, in order to understand the importance of transdermal ingredient-delivery systems, we must first discuss the underlying structures and mechanisms of the skin itself.
Figure 3. Stratum corneum & underlying skin structure
As an alternative, some higher-end skincare formulations have turned to liposomal delivery systems. Because of their phospholipid bilayer structure, liposomes are able to encapsulate an active ingredient, penetrate the stratum corneum, and deliver the ingredients below the epidermal surface.
However, liposomes also have substantial limitations. Firstly, liposomes can only encapsulate either oil-soluble actives or water-soluble ones, not both. Additionally, they are severely limited with respect to the type & number of compounds that can be encapsulated within a single liposome.
But by far the biggest vulnerability of the liposomal delivery system is their fragility. Liposomes are easily & inevitably ruptured by subtle fluctuations in pH, temperature, air pressure, and general exposure to outside elements over time. Once no longer encapsulated within the liposome, the active ingredients, and thus the products themselves, are rendered practically useless (fig.4).
Moreover, in order to balance out this discrepancy, some companies will increase the concentration of actives– which has little impact on barrier penetration but can have an enormous impact on barrier irritation.
As an alternative, some higher-end skincare formulations have turned to liposomal delivery systems. Because of their phospholipid bilayer structure, liposomes are able to encapsulate an active ingredient, penetrate the stratum corneum, and deliver the ingredients below the epidermal surface.
However, liposomes also have substantial limitations. Firstly, liposomes can only encapsulate either oil-soluble actives or water-soluble ones, not both. Additionally, they are severely limited with respect to the type & number of compounds that can be encapsulated within a single liposome.
But by far the biggest vulnerability of the liposomal delivery system is their fragility. Liposomes are easily & inevitably ruptured by subtle fluctuations in pH, temperature, air pressure, and general exposure to outside elements over time. Once no longer encapsulated within the liposome, the active ingredients, and thus the products themselves, are rendered practically useless (fig.4).
Figure 4. Traditional liposomal delivery system vs. Nanocomplex/NuCell Direct™ delivery system
Figure 4. Traditional liposomal delivery system vs. Nanocomplex/NuCell Direct™ delivery system
Figure 4
NuCell Direct™, on the other hand, embeds a multitude of bioactive substances directly into its membrane, rather than encapsulating a select few, virtually eliminating the concerns of liposomal rupture (fig. 4). Additional embedded lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins provides further stability and structure to the delivery system– allowing for infinite ingredient combination and compatibility, better penetration, and a virtually unlimited shelf life.
NuCell Direct™, on the other hand, embeds a multitude of bioactive substances directly into its membrane, rather than encapsulating a select few, virtually eliminating the concerns of liposomal rupture (fig. 4). Additional embedded lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins provides further stability and structure to the delivery system– allowing for infinite ingredient combination and compatibility, better penetration, and a virtually unlimited shelf life.
Nanocomplexes
Finally, the uniquely potent combination of bioactive complexes from Part I and NuCell Direct™ Delivery System from Part II are combined to create the finalized Nanocomplex™ featured throughout our formulas. Nanocomplexes are able to imitate the composition and concentration of bioactive substances existing healthy human cells, containing first and second degree messengers as well as cellular signalling substances to re-establish inter- & intracellular communication. Ingredients within the Nanocomplex. Due to the structure of the NuCell Direct™ Delivery System, the active ingredients remain protected and potent, while their concentrations, which require only pico- and nano- quantities (10-9 & 10-12, respectively), ensure both efficacy AND increased tolerance.
Figure 5. Bioactive complexes to Nanocomplexes
Nanocomplexes
Figure 5. Bioactive complexes to Nanocomplexes
Finally, the uniquely potent combination of bioactive complexes from Part I and NuCell Direct™ Delivery System from Part II are combined to create the finalized Nanocomplex™ featured throughout our formulas. Nanocomplexes are able to imitate the composition and concentration of bioactive substances existing healthy human cells, containing first and second degree messengers as well as cellular signalling substances to re-establish inter- & intracellular communication. Ingredients within the Nanocomplex. Due to the structure of the NuCell Direct™ Delivery System, the active ingredients remain protected and potent, while their concentrations, which require only pico- and nano- quantities (10-9 & 10-12, respectively), ensure both efficacy AND increased tolerance.