Innovative Active Ingredients
In 2010, the Nobel Prize winning discovery of aquaporins – tiny water channels in the membranes of the epidermal cells – provided inspiration for another innovation: the HYDRA IQ technology is based on the active ingredient Gluco-Glycerol – a natural active ingredient that stimulates the formation of new aquaporins in the skin cells. The goal was to use this innovation as a basis for the development of highly-effective moisturizing skin care products. And this challenge was mastered by the Beierdorf researchers and developers: Since January 2010, the new aquaporin technology has stepwise been incorporated into more and more skin care products of our brands, such as NIVEA and Eucerin.
Gluco-Glycerol improves the natural moisture network.
How does Gluco-Glycerol work?
With the active ingredient Gluco-Glycerol the Beiersdorf researchers developed another innovative and benchmark-setting skin care formula component. The ingredient stimulates the formation of new aquaporins thus improving their natural moisture network even in the deeper epidermal skin layers. Aquaporines are tiny water channels in the membranes of the epidermal skin cells that are highly permeable to water and provide the skin with a sufficient distribution of moisture. By stimulating the formation of new aquaporins the HYDRA IQ technology intelligently activates the natural moisture network of the skin and is particularly suited for the care of dry skin.
Q10 is a so-called coenzyme which is used for biochemical processes in the body. It can be taken up from cremes or from food. Furthermore, the body itself is able to produce it as well. Q10 is an essential constituent of the mitochondria, i.e. the cells’ powerhouses. This is where the respiratory chain takes place – one of the most important parts of energy metabolism for living beings. Coenzyme Q10 functions as a mediator in these processes by helping to break down nutrients and convert them into fresh energy. In 1998, researchers at Beiersdorf were the first to use Q10 as an active ingredient in skin care products for the mass market.
How does Q10 work?
Q10 Powder
Q10 is part of the cellular process in which energy containing bio-molecules like nutrients are degraded to gain new energy usable for cellular activity. Q10 also functions as an antioxidant: When cellular oxygen is not fully transformed into water, so-called free oxygen radicals may occur. These reactive molecules cause chain reactions, which may result in lasting damage to the cells. This is precisely one of the processes which cause skin aging. Therefore, Q10 is not only capable of stabilizing energy production but also to neutralize free oxygen radicals, thus fulfilling a protective function. As we get older, Q10 concentrations in the skin are decreasing. However, Beiersdorf researchers have been able to substantiate the fact that the skin’s energy levels can once again be increased through the use of Q10 cremes.
The emulsifier Eucerit (Greek for beautiful wax) was first extracted from the wool wax of sheep in 1900 by chemist Isaac Lifschütz. In 1911, pharmacist Dr. Oscar Troplowitz, dermatologist Professor Dr. Paul Gerson Unna and chemist Dr. Isaac Lifschütz developed the NIVEA Creme that would revolutionise the world of skin care. Lifschütz’s earlier discovery Eucerit served as the basis and made the impossible possible. For the first time ever, it permitted the combination of water and oil into a stable emulsion.
How does Eucerit work?
Eucerit is the basis of the NIVEA Creme
Eucerit is an emulsifier which is used to blend and stabilize two liquids which normally cannot be mixed with each other, for example water and oil, into a finely distributed mixture known as an emulsion. Using Eucerit, it was possible to create the world’s first stable water-in-oil emulsion. This discovery was like a revolution, because up to that time point ointments and cremes could only be manufactured on the basis of bees wax and vaseline which, in addition to other disadvantages including an unpleasant odor and a sticky consistency, also had a short shelf-life. Eucerit was the first water-in-oil emulsifier to be made available to industrial production in large quantities, and at reasonable prices.
