A New Class of Cosmetic Actives: Miniproteins

A New Class of Cosmetic Actives: Miniproteins Continuous movement of facial muscles causes visible skin folds; over time, lines form in the facial area. Decades of experience in aesthetic medicine have established that relaxation of facial muscles plays a key role in the treatment and prevention of wrinkles. Relaxing the muscles beneath the skin rapidly reduces wrinkles and improves facial appearance in the long term. Based in central Switzerland, Activen researches the genomic sequences of living organisms to discover high-performance actives. Using bioinformatics, it is a producer of MiniproteinTM containing a series of mono peptides between proteins and peptides. These miniproteins have 3D molecular structures; they are small enough to penetrate the skin and provide high and specific activity on a defined target. The actives are highly potent and safe, making them a unique option among next-generation active ingredients. Activen XEP®-018 is a muscle-relaxing miniprotein™ naturally found in the venom of the sea cone Conus consors, which inhabits the Pacific Ocean. Activen XEP 018 Miniprotein: Developed using bioinformatics methods with the "Botox in Jar" concept. This protein is based on a muscle-relaxation mechanism and features a 3D molecular structure; it is a polypeptide structure containing 20 peptides, positioned between Botox and linear-structure peptides. Miniproteins containing 22 amino acids are nonlinear structures that fall between peptide and protein structures in size. With 22 amino acid content, they are small enough to be penetrated by skin like peptide molecular structures; yet because they are much smaller than protein structures, injectable application is not required. • Peptides can be broken down by protease enzymes after absorption due to their lower amino acid content, but Activen miniproteins are not broken down. Comparative tests with commercially branded peptides have been conducted, and their efficacy is 500% higher. This structure results from its 3D and complex molecular form (whereas peptides have a linear structure). • Due to its 3D (three-dimensional) molecular structure, it binds directly to receptor molecules. Peptides lack this capability and merely have stimulatory activity. • Unlike Botox, it naturally opens wrinkles without eliminating facial expression lines and does not produce a monotonous appearance. While the harmful effects that Botox may have in the long term—given that it affects nerve endings—have not yet been fully determined, it is a matter requiring cautious consideration. Activen miniprotein blocks sodium channels at nerve endings, preventing sodium passage, thereby relaxing muscles and opening wrinkles, thus avoiding the harmful effects caused by Botox.         It demonstrates its effect within 2 hours and the effect continues for 24 hours. With 28 days of use, it shows cumulative effects, demonstrating significant efficacy on wrinkles.

In conclusion;

Activen XEP 018 miniprotein structure, with effects supported by clinical studies, offers substantial potential for use in next-generation applications when considering its benefits: 500% greater efficacy compared to commercially branded peptides, resistance to breakdown by protease enzymes, good penetration through its 3D structure, and prevention of nerve and tissue damage that can occur with Botox application. In this context, using Activen in the cosmetic content market will enable successful applications in anti-aging and regenerative dermatology, neurodermatology, and immuno-dermatology fields. Şerife Dedeli Sales Engineer Profen Life Sciences