Givaudan Active Beauty's Neuroglow Mimics the Sun's Beauty- & Mood-boosting Properties

Sunbathing without the sun? Givaudan's Neuroglow delivers the melanin-boosting power of the sun, along with an emotional punch.
Sunbathing without the sun? Givaudan's Neuroglow delivers the melanin-boosting power of the sun, along with an emotional punch.
LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS at Adobe Stock

Givaudan Active Beauty's Neuroglow the active is designed to mimic the "positive effects of the sun," thereby imparting a healthy glow and good mood. 

The launch is in line with current trends in beauty brand and ingredient innovation that foregrounds holistic well-being.

As Mintel noted in its 2024 trend report, "The next chapter of wellness will be mind-body beauty, where mental well-being and physical appearance are interconnected."

Givaudan's new technology comprises a green fractionation of Persicaria tinctoria, often called Chinese indigo, which is sourced in Provence, France.

Neuroglow reportedly boosts melanin production by 126%, mimicking the aesthetic effects of sun exposure. This melanin increase is said to prepare the skin for sun exposure, allowing for a "faster, healthier, more natural and better protected tan," per Givaudan.

A clinical trial cited by the company reportedly demonstrated a notable phototype shift in 76% of participants in 7 days, shifting from phototype II to phototype III; 40% of these shifted to a darker phototype, IV, compared to 0% in the placebo group. 

The technology is said to increase the release of beta-endorphins by 43%, vitamin D by 345% and oxytocin by 229%, thereby imparting a sense of well-being, per Givaudan.

The technology will be featured in a concept formulation, S3D BlissFul Vibes, during the in-cosmetics Global 20214 event in Paris.

“Our scientists in R&D green fractionation have identified and optimized a plant-derived active ingredient offering an unprecedented solution to mimic all the positive effects of sunlight," said Bénédicte Sennelier-Portet, R&D green fractionation manager. "Of 100% natural origin and Cosmos compliant, Neuroglow prepares the skin for sun exposure, promotes a healthier tanning process, and even protects the skin from the potential side effects of overexposure. The result? A healthy glow and enhanced well-being all year round, even when combined with SPF, highlighting the benefits of the sun.”

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