The Science Behind Marula & Frankincense Serum

As with all our products, we engaged a team of chemists, cosmetic safety professionals, beauty therapists and medical professionals to develop our Marula and Frankincense Serum, ensuring every ingredient choice we made was based on scientific research and then backed up in user trials. 

We are delighted to summarise below the science behind our new Lifting and Plumping Marula and Frankincense facial serum. 

Marula Oil

• Elastase and Collagenase Inhibition
• Marula stem extracts significantly inhibit elastase (88%) and collagenase (99%), enzymes responsible for breaking down elastin and collagen, which contribute to wrinkle formation (Shoko et al., 2018).
• The bioactive compounds epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate exhibit strong anti-collagenase activity, comparable to EDTA, a known collagenase inhibitor (Shoko et al., 2018).

• Hydrating and Moisturising properties 
• Marula oil has been clinically proven to improve skin hydration and provide long-lasting moisturisation, making it beneficial for aging skin that might be prone to dryness (Komane et al., 2015).
• It has occlusive properties that help prevent transepidermal water loss, ensuring sustained skin hydration (Komane et al., 2015).

References:

• Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (Marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335.
• Shoko, T., Maharaj, V. J., Naidoo, D., Tselanyane, M., Nthambeleni, R., Khorombi, E., & Apostolides, Z. (2018). Anti-aging potential of extracts from Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst and its chemical profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18, 54.

Frankincense 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Boswellic acids, the active compound found in Frankincense Oil, are pentacyclic triterpenes with strong anti-inflammatory activity, reducing chronic skin inflammation linked to aging and UV exposure (Pedretti et al., 2010).

Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

• A 30-day application of a cream containing 0.5% boswellic acids led to a significant improvement in fine lines and tactile roughness, suggesting enhanced skin texture and smoothness (Pedretti et al., 2010).

• Noninvasive diagnostic tests demonstrated an increase in skin elasticity, indicating boswellic acids found in frankincense oil help maintain youthful, firm skin by counteracting collagen degradation (Pedretti et al., 2010).

Reference: 

Pedretti, A., Capezzera, R., Zane, C., Facchinetti, E., & Calzavara-Pinton, P. (2010). Effects of topical boswellic acid on photo and age-damaged skin: clinical, biophysical, and echographic evaluations in a double-blind, randomized, split-face study. Planta Medica, 76(5), 555-560.

Conclusion

Marula oil and Frankincense essential oil work synergistically to combat signs of aging. Marula oil deeply hydrates and inhibits collagen breakdown, preventing the formation of fine lines. Meanwhile, Frankincense oil reduces inflammation, improves elasticity, and enhances skin texture. Together, these two powerful ingredients make our anti-aging serum an effective formula for maintaining youthful, firm, and radiant skin.

Blog written by Martha Johnson

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