Deep Sea Magic: How Marine Ferment Innovations are Tackling Anti-Aging

The ocean is a vast and largely unexplored frontier, teeming with incredible biodiversity. With up to 1 million organisms found in just one milliliter of seawater, marine ecosystems represent an unparalleled reservoir of innovation for the beauty industry. These ecosystems harbor unique microorganisms, algae, and other marine-based resources that offer remarkable properties - ranging from potent antioxidants and hydration boosters to sustainable textural enhancers. 

For the beauty industry, the marine world isn’t just a source of inspiration; it’s a goldmine of bioactive compounds that can redefine skincare, haircare, and wellness formulations. The unique conditions of the ocean - such as extreme pressure, salinity, and light exposure - have driven marine organisms to develop extraordinary resilience and adaptive mechanisms. 

Marine bio-research is at the forefront of unlocking the ocean’s potential. LipoTrue, a supplier of raw materials for the personal care industry, has collaborated with various research institutes to collect unique species from the ocean’s depths and sea breeze, diving into new habitats to create the future of active ingredients. From the Malaspina expedition, where more than 42,000 nautical miles of international waters were explored and 120 unknown bacteria identified, to a new collection of microorganisms found on migrant jellyfish from the Mediterranean, the stories of the ocean are just now being unravelled. 

Through this research, two new game-changing ingredients were born, offering breakthrough solutions for skin health and resilience, while combating signs of aging with a unique marine-derived twist. Both are perfect for forward-thinking formulations - but the details? Keep diving deeper to uncover more. 

The Marine Discovery Journey

Finding V/WA™ : The Jellyfish Connection

One of the exciting microorganisms that LipoTrue discovered lives in symbiosis on the surface of the most stinging jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) of the Mediterranean Sea is Alteromonas Lipotrueae. The identification of this microorganism is a groundbreaking development in marine biotechnology, highlighting the vast and largely untapped potential of oceanic biodiversity. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of marine microorganisms but also opens the door to innovative applications in the beauty and personal care industry. This allows for the development of cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for skin health, environmental resilience, and more. Its identification underscores the importance of exploring and preserving marine ecosystems as reservoirs of scientific and commercial innovation. 

The metabolic analysis of the fermentation resulting from Alteromonas Lipotrueae confirmed that it contains biomimetic compounds that are linked to muscle contraction. Thus, a new innovation was introduced, in the form of an ingredient called V/WA™, exemplifying a seamless vertical integration approach, moving through the below 3 stages: 

• Discover: Alteromonas lipotrueae 
• Develop: Neuromuscular communication 
• Deliver: Smooths even the most stubborn hidden wrinkles 

It begins with the exploration and identification of the unique marine microorganism, followed by the advanced fermentation process to develop its bioactive potential into a functional ingredient. Finally, the bioactive is expertly delivered to the market as a sustainable, high-performance solution, ready to empower brands with innovative formulations that meet consumer demands for efficacy and environmental responsibility. 

Diving Deep for Sirtalice

Another exciting discovery was made near Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, resulting in Sirtalice™, an active marine biotechnological ingredient by LipoTrue. In this part of the Indian Ocean, there are thousands of marina species protected in shallow turquoise water lagoons formed with coral barriers. Sirtalice™ was found deep in the cold ocean waters during the Malaspina expedition, at 3,400m deep and living amongst chilly temperatures of 1.5ºC. 

Nestled within this vibrant marine environment, the ingredient embodies the resilience and richness of the coral barrier’s biodiversity. Coral barriers are not only vital marine ecosystems, fostering diverse life forms, but they also play a crucial role in protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean health. Sirtalice™, found in this dynamic environment, reflects the resilience and adaptive mechanism of coral systems. Drawing inspiration from these ecosystems, it brings an harmonious blend of nature’s ingenuity and science, delivering a unique freezing blast effect, providing an instant cooling sensation that refreshes and recharges the skin. 

But how does Sirtalice™ work? It stimulates the synthesis of proteins involved in mitochondrial respiration and energy production, and induces key proteins for focal adhesions and cell interactions. This allows for an improvement in skin strength and contraction - bringing a unique “freezing energy blast” to the skin. The origin and discovery of Sirtalice™ not only highlights the beauty and complexity of these underwater ecosystems, but also emphasizes the importance of sustainable exploration in uncovering powerful, nature-derived solutions for skincare innovation. 

Scientific Innovations 

V/WA's™ Triple-Action Approach

V/WA's™ has a triple-action mechanism that acts along the three steps of neuromuscular connection delivering next-level efficacy for skin rejuvenation: 

1. Neuritogenesis and neuronal migration: By lowering neurite outgrowth by 17%, and reducing by 13% neuronal migration towards myocytes to form synaptic connections, V/WA™  ensures optimal communication between nerves and muscles for improved skin function
2. Synaptic vesicles (SVs) recycling: It supports the efficient recycling of synaptic vesicles, reducing clathrin by 34%, slowing down SVs recycling, and as a result, maintaining the strength and consistency of neuromuscular signals to ensure smooth and balanced muscle activity 
3. Muscle contraction: This ingredient influences muscle contraction, reducing the contraction of myocytes in a collagen matrix by 48%, lowering acetylcholine by 73%, and with 40.5% fewer activated AChRs when compared to basal myocytes. This helps reduce tension that contributes to wrinkles, promoting a relaxed and youthful appearance.

This innovative ingredient’s targeted triple-action approach delivers remarkable efficacy in addressing the most challenging expression wrinkles. By modulating muscle contractions and optimizing neuromuscular connections, it visibly smooths wrinkles on the crow’s feet caused by repetitive facial movements. At the same time, its ability to enhance neuronal communication and skin resilience works below the surface to minimize hidden wrinkles – those subtle lines that form in deeper layers before becoming visible. The result is a comprehensive anti-aging solution that leaves skin looking smoother, firmer, and more youthful.

Sirtalice's Energy-Based Solution

Sirtalice™  introduces a cutting-edge energy-based solution, revitalizing skin by targeting mitochondrial respiration and cellular energy production - the very core of cellular vitality. By stimulating the synthesis of key proteins involved in longevity, energy production and focal adhesions, it enhances the efficiency of energy production within cells, ensuring optimal functionality and resilience. 

Central to this process is Sirtuin 3, a crucial protein linked to regulation of metabolic processes. It acts as a mitochondrial guardian, regulating energy metabolism and protecting against cellular stress, contributing to healthier, more youthful skin over time. This ingredient strengthens the skin by reducing elastase by 69% and improving procollagen I by 129%, which prevents the degradation of ECM proteins and enhancing their synthesis. 

Additionally, Sirtalice™  supports ATP production - the primary energy currency of cells -  improving ATP levels by 32%, recharging cellular energy while simultaneously maintaining ROS (reactive oxygen species) homeostasis. This delicate balance protects cells from oxidative damage, preventing premature aging and ensuring long-lasting skin vitality. Together, these mechanisms make it a powerful tool for energizing the skin and promoting a radiant, rejuvenated appearance. 

Real Results That Matter 

V/WA™ Clinical Outcomes

The efficacy of V/WA™  is supported by robust in vivo testing, showcasing its transformative impact on the skin. Through comprehensive testing in two panels of 20 women, aged 45 to 60 years old, presenting visible expression lines in both crow’s feet and forehead, there were significant and rapid improvements in skin smoothing. 

These women applied a cream with 3% V/WA™ or a placebo on their entire face, twice a day for 28 days. In just 10 minutes, the wrinkle depth and volume in crow’s feet were reduced by 9%, hidden wrinkles (revealed when smiling) diminished by 13%, and forehead wrinkle depth softened by up to 44%. The long-term effects are even more pronounced, with up to 35% reduction in wrinkle depth of crow’s feet, and up to 51% less frowning wrinkle volume in the forehead. This reduction in wrinkles and frowning wrinkles in the forehead was seen in an impressive 34% of the female participants across both panels.

These clinical results highlight V/WA™’s potential as a game-changer in advanced skincare formulations, offering proven benefits for a rejuvenated and youthful complexion. 

Sirtalice™  Transformations

Sirtalice™ delivers the effects of a freezing blast from the deep sea, proven in a group of 20 Caucasian women (aged 35 to 45 years old) who applied a cream with 2% Sirtalice on half the face, twice daily for 28 days. On the other half of the face, a placebo was applied. 

In the first 30 minutes of application, Sirtalice™ has a V-lifting effect in the contours of the skin, improving the sagging of the face and revealing an instant and long-lasting wrinkle efficacy. In fact, after only 30 minutes there was a reduction of 22.3% in crow’s feet wrinkle depth and of 32.6% in under eye wrinkle depth.

After the 28 day mark, there was a significant increase in the elasticity and firmness of the skin by 12.1% and 7.8%, respectively. The depth of wrinkles in the crow’s feet (-23.8%) and the under eye (-33.9%) had a substantial decrease and the roughness of both under eye (-11.6%) and the crow’s feet (-4.5%) had great improvements. Another great improvement to the skin was the radiance, which saw an increase of 10%, in addition to hydration levels, which grew by 14%.

These results underscore Sirtalice™  exceptional ability to deliver a defined V-reshape contour, visibly reduce wrinkle depth, and enhance skin hydration and radiance, making it a powerful solution for achieving a youthful, luminous complexion.

The Future of Marine Anti-Aging

In conclusion, the remarkable advancements in sustainable marine biotechnology not only highlight the untapped potential of the ocean but also reaffirm LipoTrue’s unwavering commitment to discovering innovative, eco-conscious solutions. The growing demand for marine-derived skincare ingredients underscores their ability to deliver exceptional results while funding new research and respecting the planet’s resources. 

From redefining neuromuscular connections to challenge the most difficult wrinkles, to bringing a unique freezing blast energy blast that effectively contours the skin in 10 minutes, these ingredients showcase groundbreaking benefits such as enhanced skin structure, reduced wrinkle depth, improved hydration, and boosted radiance. 

Discover how  V/WA™  and Sirtalice™ by LipoTrue can set your formulations apart, meet consumer demands for efficacy and sustainability, and position your brand at the forefront of the beauty industry. 

👉 Request a sample of  V/WA™ and/or Sirtalice™ on Covalo today.