A novelty that has just entered the Brazilian market is a dermocosmetic with rejuvenating potential and healing properties that was developed and produced by S Cosméticos do Bem, daughter company of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) graduated from Unicamp Technology-Based Business Incubator (Incamp).
This is the Rejuvenating Serum extracted from Artemisia Anna, a plant of Asian origin widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, and which has bioactives responsible for its therapeutic properties. The process of obtaining this Serum is the result of a research project between the daughter company and the Faculty of Food Engineering (FEA) at Unicamp, under the guidance of professor Maria Angela de Almeida.
This technology, patented by Unicamp with co-ownership of the company, allows the extraction of three bioactive fractions, one of which gives rise to the Serum, as explained by the company's CEO and founder, Soraya El Katib: “This Serum is the result of ten years of research in the area of dermocosmetics. We have developed a technology that allows the intelligent addition of bioactives from plant raw materials, resulting in a multifunctional product, with great rejuvenating power.”
With the licensed technology, S Cosméticos do Bem received financial support from the programs FAPESP Innovative Research in Small Businesses (PIPE) and Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (FINEP) for developing the product and proving its “multifunctional therapeutic properties that allow it to position itself competitively in the market”, recalls El Katib about the process.
Dermocosmetics make up the personal hygiene, perfumery and cosmetics (HPPC) category, an industry sector that remains strong, despite the economic crisis. According to a survey carried out by the Brazilian Association of the Toiletries, Perfumery and Cosmetics Industry (ABIHPEC), Brazil has become the third country in the global beauty market, behind only the United States and China.
Regarding the performance of the Rejuvenating Sérum, the entrepreneur, who also has a PhD in Molecular and Functional Biology from Unicamp, explains that the product acts on the skin, accelerating cell regeneration and promoting a significant reduction in the signs of aging, with visible results beginning to be seen. perceived after 28 days of application: “It’s not a miracle, it’s science! Through it, we developed a product with proven efficacy and safety.” highlights the founder of S Cosméticos do Bem. In addition to its cell regeneration capacity, the Serum also has healing properties and can be used to treat psoriasis and skin burns.
Initially, the Rejuvenating Serum will be sold via the S Cosméticos do Bem and, possibly, will be in pharmacies in the first half of 2021, when the other products developed by Unicamp's daughter company should also reach the market.
Other benefits of extracting Artemisia Anna
In addition to the fraction that gives rise to the Rejuvenating Serum, from the extraction of Artemisia Anna other fractions also rich in bioactives and micronutrients originate. These give rise to other products such as mosquito repellent lotion, also developed and produced by S Cosméticos do Bem
The developed and patented process is characterized as sustainable because only water and carbon dioxide (CO2) are used for extraction. By varying pressure and temperature, it is possible to obtain bioactive fractions without the use of harmful and polluting solvents. Furthermore, the CO2 used can be captured from the reuse of industrial processes, thus increasing the sustainability of the process.
After extracting the bioactives, it is possible to obtain artemisinin from the residue, a potent and effective drug in the treatment of malaria. “This plant raw material contains more than three thousand bioactive compounds with potential for use as pharmaceuticals or dermocosmetics, which can be extracted through a process with very low environmental impact. This gives us infinite possibilities.” concludes El Katib.
- Find out more about the technology and products at: Repellent and cosmetics are developed using an innovative Unicamp process
original article published on the Unicamp Innovation Agency page.
