RAMAT-GAN, Israel—An unpublished clinical study found IBR-Phyto(flu)ene®, the colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene from IBR Ltd., to be an effective skin whitening and lightening ingredient, according to the company. The in vivo study evaluated the lightening effect of a cream comprising IBR-TCLC® (tomato colorless carotenoids). The placebo-controlled treatment showed a significant skin whitening effect at both 42 days and 84 days.
Phytoene and phytofluene, the colorless carotenoids, are the first carotenoid precursors in the biosynthetic pathway of other carotenoids. These molecules are devoid of color in the visible range, absorbing light in the UV range only, thus being invisible to the human eye. These colorless carotenoids are found in most carotenogenic organisms, including microorganisms, algae, fungi and plants, where they act as a shield against excessive radiation and environmental stress. Phytoene and phytofluene showed a beneficial efficacy enhancing skin anti-inflammatory capacity, protecting against UV and oxidative damage stabilizing other actives like sunscreens and boosting their effect. Their observed effect on inhibition of melanin synthesis caused a pigmentation reduction.
Additionally, IBR’s IBR-ProPhyDerm®, a proprietary cosmetic composition for dermal relief naturally derived from botanical extracts, was the subject of an unpublished clinical trial in which 26 mild to moderate chronic eczema patients were administered , IBR-ProPhyDerm or Hydrocortisone 1 percent cream for 28 days. Clinical assessment points were every seven days. Total scoring and efficacy index of both treatments was identical, according to the company. Total scoring and efficacy index of both treatments after four weeks of use represented a 70-percent improvement in the appearance of redness, scaling and flaking.
