New ursolic acid ingredient given global launch
acid-based ingredient that is said to bring a host of functional
properties to hair care and skin care formulation.
Slovenian-based Vitiva says that its formulation contains 45 per cent ursolic acid, which has been combined with isomer oleanolic acid to produce a highly concentrated substance that is cost-efficient.
Ursolic acid has proven active properties for both topical as well as internal applications, which should also make it suitable for nutraceutical products.
Scientific studies have shown that ursolic acid contains biological actives that give it anti-microbial, anti-tumorous and anti-inflammatory properties.
Derived using a solvent based extraction process from rosemary leaves, the ingredient should ultimately prove particularly good in hair care and scalp treatments, as the ursolic acid helps more blood flow to the top level of the skin, improving scalp condition as well as the flow of nutrients to the root of the hair.
A stable substance, Ursole should prove appropriate to treat scalp conditions such as dandruff, alopecia and general irritations.
The company also says that it can be used for photo-aged skin treatment as it has a strong ability to suppress production of UV-A induced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, making it ideal for a host of anti-aging treatments.
"Ursolic acid is not as well known as we would hope it to be, so we are aiming to raise awareness," Ohad Cohen, Vitiva CEO.
"At the moment we are not selling the ingredient in huge quantities, but it could come to that if manufacturers find a suitable application for it and invest more in its development," Cohen added.
Currently ingredients containing ursolic acid are also supplied to cosmetic manufacturers in the US by Sabinsa, which mainly markets it as an anti-aging ingredient for skin care products.
