The buzz at Showa Denko includes Apprécier (APPS), a novel vitamin C derivative that is characterized by its strong and immediate penetration into the skin, according to the company.

 In recent years, hyperpigmentation and sun damage have become key concerns among consumers in Western markets, with demand for related products driven by a desire to reverse sun damage and for the appearance of younger looking skin. However, as a result of past skin troubles that consumers faced when using skin-lightening products, cosmetics manufacturers and consumers have become increasingly attentive to ingredient safety and efficacy.

Atsushi Shibato, sales manager, personal care materials group, Showa Denko K.K., said, “Vitamin C has proven efficacies in brightening and anti-aging but most derivatives in the market have limited penetrability in skin due to the hydrophilic nature of vitamin C.

This makes it difficult to deliver the optimum dosage of vitamin C to the skin for maximum absorption. Showa Denko created APPS, the first amphiphilic vitamin C derivative in the world, over five years of extensive research and stringent safety tests. We have utmost confidence in its efficacy and safety, and we hope that it will gather interest among cosmetics manufacturers from Europe and beyond.”

Most vitamin C derivatives are hydrophilic (having affinity for water) but the unique aspect of APPS lies in its amphiphilic nature, as it displays both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. This allows APPS to remain stable in aqueous formulations, yet enables it to pass through cell membranes without any loss in solubility.

Due to its moderate hydrophobicity, APPS penetrates effectively into the dermis, the third skin layer, where it is then enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

More info: www.showa-denko.com