Everyone is exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to oxidative stress and skin damage. That’s why beauty brands aim to incorporate ingredients that can prevent and repair these negative effects on the skin. One such ingredient is Synoxyl® AZ (INCI: Acetyl Zingerone).
What Is Synoxyl® AZ (INCI: Acetyl Zingerone)?
Synoxyl® AZ (AZ) is an antiaging molecule specifically developed to combat environmental pollutants and stressors that contribute to skin damage. Its innovative composition aims not only to prevent signs of aging but also to actively repair existing damage. In addition to the extrinsic factors, AZ goes above and beyond standard capabilities by also targeting the intrinsic factors that are involved in the skin’s aging process.
Intrinsic factors encompass the natural aging process that occurs within our bodies over time. The skin naturally undergoes changes such as reduced collagen, proteoglycan and ECM glycoprotein production, increased generation of metalloprotease enzymes, decreased cellular turnover and diminished moisture retention which all can lead to the development of wrinkles, sagging skin and a loss of radiance and firmness.
Extrinsic factors, on the other hand, stem from external influences that impact the skin, often accelerating the aging process. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), harmful UV radiation, lifestyle choices and stress can all contribute to the formation of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and poor complexion.
Synoxyl® AZ, with its unique multi-targeted approach, tackles both intrinsic and extrinsic factors comprehensively. It acts as a shield against environmental aggressors by protecting and repairing the skin from the damaging effects of ROS and inflammation. Simultaneously, it penetrates deep into the skin, working to stimulate collagen and many other ECM protein syntheses, to promote cellular renewal and to boost the skin’s natural moisture retention abilities.
By addressing these underlying causes, Synoxyl® AZ offers a variety of cosmetic advantages. Let’s explore them now.
4 Cosmetic Effects of Synoxyl® AZ (AZ)
1. Omni-Antioxidant Properties
Topically applied antioxidants can help the skin efficiently manage the overproduction of ROS that commonly occurs from daily exposure to environmental stressors, especially solar radiation and air pollution.
The term omni-antioxidant has been coined to define antioxidants that exhibit durable chemical and photochemical stability coupled with the long-lasting capacity to function through multiple pathways to manage excess ROS levels.
ROS Neutralizer
What makes omni-antioxidants unique from conventional antioxidants is their ability to efficiently neutralize all of the most reactive species of ROS that form within the skin, including hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen species and peroxynitrite. Omni-antioxidants can also neutralize ROS before it induces skin damage.
Chelators, Physical Quenchers & Oxidase Enzyme Inhibitors
Another differentiator is that omni-antioxidants can prevent ROS formation within the skin by acting as a chelator, physical quencher or inhibitor of key ROS-generating enzymes.
- Chelators inhibit the Fenton reaction as an important source of hydroxyl radicals by binding metal ions (iron and copper) selectively to disrupt their interaction with hydrogen peroxide.
- Physical quenchers intercept the skin’s molecules after they absorb solar radiation, preventing the formation of ROS. Rather than the sacrificial nature of conventional antioxidants, physical quenchers act in a non-sacrificial manner so they can continue working the entire time the skin is exposed to the sun.
- Oxidase Enzyme Inhibitors work to hinder or impede ROS activity. An omni-antioxidant serves as an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide synthase that respectively produce superoxide anion and nitric oxide, which are important precursors to more reactive ROS (i.e., hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite).
Therefore, an antioxidant qualifies as an omni-antioxidant if it functions as an efficient neutralizer, chelator, physical quencher and oxidase enzyme inhibitor that can manage the production of excess ROS with maximum proficiency. Currently, AZ is the only antioxidant that satisfies all of the requirements of omni-antioxidant classification.
2. Skin Damage Reduction
Combined exposure to ROS, environmental pollutants and blue light can have a synergistic effect intensifying the damage caused to the skin. The oxidative stress induced by these external factors can lead to chronic inflammation, DNA damage and degradation of the skin’s support structure which subsequently contributes to the development of wrinkles, pigmentation, skin redness and premature aging.
After eight weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, AZ showed a significant reduction in:
- Average wrinkle severity
- Total wrinkle volume
- Pigment intensity
- Redness intensity
In addition, after daily use of the lotion containing AZ, the participants reported it was well-tolerated with no negative side effects such as itching or burning.
3. Skin Rejuvenation
The skin microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, that reside on the skin’s surface. A diverse and balanced microbiome is considered crucial for maintaining skin health. A skin-friendly bacterium called Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common bacterium found on human skin, and it is generally regarded as a beneficial species that helps protect the skin from harmful pathogens.
The state of the skin microbiome can influence various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Acne and eczema are often associated with an overgrowth of opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus while psoriasis is characterized by overgrowth of S. aureus and certain fungal pathogens. Additionally, an imbalance in the immune response and skin barrier function is observed in all three diseases.
AZ balances the diversity of the skin microbiome and stimulates the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis by >20%. By promoting the presence of this beneficial bacterium, AZ maintains the optimal skin microbiome that nurtures healthy skin and aids in the prevention of these various skin problems. Implementing AZ into any skincare formulation can help customers improve skin health by sustaining a diverse and healthy microbiome.
4. Skin Defense
L-ascorbic acid (AA), also known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin and a powerful exogenous antioxidant that’s essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. AA helps to boost the skin’s barrier function, which fortifies its defenses against ROS production caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants.
One popular stabilized AA-ester used in cosmetic formulations is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDC, VitaSynol® C). Its oil-soluble nature allows it to effectively penetrate the lipid-rich outer layer of the skin, which can enhance its bioavailability and potential efficacy, unlike other forms of vitamin C.
Unfortunately, THDC is prone to degradation from O₂, an entity of ROS that often forms within oxidatively damaged skin. Therefore, a stabilizing antioxidant needs to accompany THDC to prolong its effectiveness. Traditional antioxidants can readily degrade before being able to scavenge these ROS. However, Synoxyl® AZ is a photostable omni-antioxidant that has been proven to quench O₂ and help preserve the chemical integrity of THDC.
One study found that Synoxyl® AZ extended the existence of THDC from 6.4% to 81% and from 0% to 75% after exposure to O₂ for 2 and 10 minutes, respectively. Increasing the lifespan of THDC can improve the amount of AA available in the skin. Adding AZ into skincare formulas with THDC helps consumers take advantage of the antiaging and skin-brightening effects of AA.
Conclusion
Synoxyl® AZ (INCI: Acetyl Zingerone) is a versatile active ingredient that unlocks various cosmetic effects for the skin. It serves as an omni antioxidant, reduces skin damage, rejuvenates skin, and strengthens skin defense. All these properties help make the skin look more youthful while protecting it from the negative effects of ROS and UV rays.
Sytheon is a research-backed developer of high-performance active ingredients – including Synoxyl® AZ. To test Synoxyl® AZ with your formulation, request a sample.
