The company has claimed that the colourless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, have three main benefits for use in sunscreens – they absorb light in the UV range; are hydroxyl radicals quenchers; and stabilise avobenzone.
Phytoene and phytofluene
In terms of protection from UV rays, IBR has claimed that phytoene and phytofluene are colourless in the visible range, and that the carotenoids are thus able to absorb light only in the UV range.
The company has also claimed that the carotenoids are hydroxyl radical quenchers, and so apparently, reduce damage caused to the skin by titanium dioxide (Ti02) free radicals.
Ti02, an active ingredient used in sunscreens, generates free radicals when exposed to the sun or UV rays, which according to IBR, can lead to instability of other components in the formula, as well as increased oxidative damage to the skin.
Avobenzone is one such ingredient added to sun creams, which according to IBR, heavily degrades due to day light and free radicals, but that the carotenoids prevent this by managing to stabilise it.
Protective multi-functionality
IBR has stated further benefits and protective multi-functionality of the carotenoids as being:
- Stabilisation and elongation of avobenzone activity with subsequent longer UV protection
- Reduction of avobenzone reactive by-products and Ti02 generated free radicals
- Reduction of inflammatory response to the sun and sunscreens by-products
- Reduction of the collagen degradation by UV, free radicals and sunscreens by-products
- Reduction of DNA from damage by the sun, UV oxidants abd sunscreens by-products
As a supplement to sun care, the colourless carotenoids can be used as an alternative to other oil-phase anti-oxidants, as it attacks free radicals in much the same fashion as other anti-oxidants in the market, such as vitamin E.