The Exposome: An innovation platform of SEQENS Cosmetics

For several years, SEQENS Cosmetics has been interested in the different factors to which our skin is exposed: the Exposome.  

These exposure factors can be divided into three classes:  

• The general external environment: urban environment, climate, UV rays. 
• The specific external environment: food, physical activity, alcohol, tobacco, contaminants, radiation, infections, etc.  
• The internal environment: metabolic factors, hormones, microbiota, inflammation, oxidative stress.  

Our skin is an organ that is particularly affected by the diversity of these factors, as it acts as the interface with the outside world.  

SEQENS Cosmetics was determined to find natural solutions to fight against the effects of the Exposome and has developed botanical active ingredients to protect the skin from external aggressions. 

Osmo’city™: A biomechanical solution acting at the skin surface  

The root of marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) has been studied because of its complex sugar content that is capable of forming a protective veil on the surface of the skin, to act as a physical shield against pollution.    

A study of the sugars making up the Osmo’city™ active ingredient made it possible to characterize polymers such as glucans and arabinogalactans that have the ability to interact with skin cells, thus forming an invisible and breathable anti-pollution shield.  

A double action has been demonstrated:   

• In a preventive application, the active ingredient limits the adhesion of particle pollution to the skin.  

• In a curative application, the active ingredient favors the removal of these particles.   

This double action thus makes it possible to mechanically limit the presence of particles at the cutaneous level, before and after exposure to pollution.  

Sens’flower™: a soothing shield  

SEQENS Cosmetics has also been interested in other key factors of the Exposome such as stress or temperature variations that can lead to skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. To counteract these issues, we have developed a botanical active ingredient, Sens’flower™, from the saffron crocus flower (Crocus sativus), a by-product of the harvest of the precious spice. This active ingredient is rich in flavonoids, particularly quercetin and kaempferols. These molecules are known for their antioxidant and soothing properties. 

The clinical tests carried out have shown that Sens’flower™ also reduces redness and feelings of discomfort in the skin. 

Sens’flower™ preserves the integrity of the skin barrier function and the hydrolipidic film by improving the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF). Additional tests have proven that this active ingredient helps to reduce neurosensory discomfort and skin reactions by inhibiting the inflammatory response and acting on pain receptors such as TRPV1. 

Cell’intact™: the new Expobiota solutioN

Today, the study of the effects of the Exposome on the skin goes one step further, with the synergy between the atmospheric and the cutaneous microbiota in polluted environments being highlighted. 

SEQENS Cosmetics has studied the Expobiota concept: “Expo” for Exposome and “biota” for the study of the cutaneous microbiota. 

Here, buckwheat, a plant used for soil decontamination (phytoremediation), inspired us to develop Cell’intact™, a botanical active ingredient developed from buckwheat seeds. This plant is indeed able to significantly reduce the presence of pollutants, as well as influencing the microbiota in its surrounding environment. 

The clinical study carried out on this active ingredient made it possible to characterize for the first time the impact of the air microbiota in polluted environments on the skin microbiota. This study also demonstrated that Cell’intact™ regulates the complexion of exposed skin while preventing the harmful effects of pollution in the long term by significantly reducing the oxidation of skin proteins.  

Beyond its role as a protective shield, in a polluted environment Cell’intact™ promotes the presence of certain bacteria (Paracoccus aminovorans) within the cutaneous microbiota, capable of degrading pollutants present in the air such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). 

These three botanical active ingredients are thus complementary to offer preventive and curative solutions adapted to the diversity of exposures that our skin faces daily.