The marine-based ingredient was originally marketed as an exfoliant, but latest studies initiated by the Norway-based company have shown that the enzyme contained in the ingredient has multifunctional properties for skin care.
“Until now the focus have been on the Zonase and its outstand exfoliating properties, but the enzyme only represents a fraction of the effective proteins contained in our product,” said Fanny Coste, sales and marketing director and head of development at ABT.
“Aquabeautine XL is much more than an exfoliant, and therefore has greater potential than that which has been previously communicated through our brand.”
Beauty properties derived from zonase enzyme
Scientists began delving into the properties of the enzyme when it was discovered that the hands of individuals working in salmon hatcheries in Norway remained soft and in good condition, despite the tough condition.
The ingredient, was initially targeted for its exfoliating and moisturising skin care applications, and is derived from the hatching fluid of salmon, where the enzyme Zonase allows the fish embryo to hatch from its egg by digesting the eggshell without harming the larva.
As an exfoliant, the company claims that this process of digesting dead tissue in the eggshell while protecting the living larvae is the key to the ingredient, as it gently stimulates skin renewal without harming the skin.
ABT was established in 2000 and has developed with a focus on marine-derived active ingredients for the personal care industry, with most of the raw materials being sourced in and around the Norwegian Fjords.
Re-launch will be showcased at in-cosmetics
The company says that the forthcoming in-cosmetics show, which will take place in Milan at the end of this month, will prove the launching pad for the ingredient re-branding and re-positioning as a multi-functional ingredient.
The name for the ingredient reflects both the company name and the core focus of its business, together with the fact that its products are marketed at the beauty industry.
Last year ABT signed an agreement with skin care company Bioforskning for the then named Zonase X ingredient, and with a global healthcare company for certain components within the Zonase technology, including Zonase X.
Currently the company is working on another ingredient that will join the Aquabeautine product line, which is expected to be launched towards the end of this year.