Copy of snake venom protein becomes latest anti-aging ingredient

Canadian skin care company Euoko has launched a new anti-aging collection featuring a synthetic tripeptide protein that mimics the activity of a protein found in Temple Viper venom.

The Louvre Collection contains a protein that mimics the activity of the venom protein Walgerlin-1. The manufacturers say that the protein is totally safe and has been clinically proven to reduce the size, depth and number of wrinkles - particularly expression lines - by relaxing facial muscles.

The tripeptide is formed from three amino acids joined by a peptide bond which forms the protein. This basic structured was then further developed by a company in Switzerland to give it properties that are similar to the medical injection procedure Botox.

However, Euoko claims that its skin care range is safer, easier to use and ultimately more economical than the very popular non-surgical procedure.

Botox injections cost around US$400 per procedure and the effects are said to last from two to nine months. But the Louvre Collection is not cheap either. The Intense Lift Concentrate retails for US$450, while the face modelor comes in at US$210, the Perfect Shape Perfector at US$210 and the Inensely Nourishing Lift Cream at US$75.

Euoko claims that the range is six times more effective than leading competitive products. Furthermore it also claims that the tripeptide contained in the formulation has shown the ability to reduce forehead wrinkles by 52 per cent and crow's feet by 38 per cent in under one month.

The skin care line combines the tripeptide protein with a number of peptides and focused derivatives, including Antarticine, APT, Argireline, MDI Complex, Aldenine, Pepha Tight, EUK 134 (an antioxidant) and a Hyaluronic Acid from Denmark that is biotechnologically produced without the involvement of Strepp bacteria.

The formulation also contains vitamins, amino acids, plant extracts, lypolysis enhancers, hermuctants and nutritive elements, all combined in what the company describes as a 'superior delivery system'.

Euoko adds that there are third-party clinical studies that testify both the efficacy and safety of the ingredients, all of which are documented.

Based in Ontario, Canada, Euoko is a manufacturer and distrubritor of luxury skin care treatments. The company has expanded rapidly since its inception, launching six skin care lines targeting specific skin conditions. The majority of its sales are achieved through the internet and are concentrated in North American and Western European markets.