Johnson & Johnson launched new products based on completely new technologies 2010 for three of their brands. They are Aveeno Active Naturals Ageless Vitality Elasticity Recharging System, Neutrogena Clinical, and RoC Brilliance. The technology behind these new products is a two-part system containing ion-mineral conductors that, when activated by the companion moisturizer, create a positive electric micro-current on the skin, which, supposedly, promotes collagen and elastin levels.
It is quite complicated to present the whole idea behind this new technology. In short, (1) this concept is biologically plausible; (2) there is no independent research supporting it; (3) company sponsored researches have been presented in annual meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology, which showed impressive results demonstrating its effectiveness.
I, myself, saw these new products in a drug store some time ago. As usual, I looked at the ingredients directly. I did not find anything special so my arrogance carried me away and I concluded these products were just new hypes. Later on, I read that there was actually a whole new technology behind these products. This time, I did not dare to ignore them and spent the past weekend doing my homework about this new concept.
Human body is a bio-electrical system, including the skin. The concept of “skin battery” has been dated back to the 1980s [1][2]. Since then, there have been a lot of researches on electrical stimulation, mainly for the treatment of skin wounds. In 2007 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, a research sponsored by Obagi demonstrated the effectiveness of a bi-mineral complex in improving photo-aged skin. They believe that some coordination minerals, such as copper and zinc, can thicken skin, improve elasticity, and increase the subcutaneous fat layer. I am surprised that Obagi did not patent this big finding (they did have some products called ELASTIderm containing Zinc Carbonate). The health products giant, Johnson & Johnson, instead, has worked over 2.5 years, evaluating this technology on more than 1,000 individuals/subjects in clinical and safety studies. And now they hold 10 U.S. patents active until 2023 and has multiple U.S. and international applications pending!
In 2010 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, Johnson & Johnson presented the effectiveness of their bi-mineral complex in anti-inflammatory activity, extracellular matrix production in human skin explants, improvement of pigmentation, photo-aging and improvement of skin laxity. They got so much attention! Apparently, products based on this new technology have a strength in terms of skin tolerance. This means that it can be used for eyelids and skin around the eye area. Considering retinoids and AHA products often have a label “Avoid Eye Area”, these new products are very promising. The following links are what other people have commented on them:
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 68th Annual Meeting – Biomimetic Signaling Gel Reduces Signs of Photoaging – Target Health Global.
- J&J Researchers Stimulate Skin’s Bioelectricity with Microparticle Minerals – Cosmetics & Toiletries The International Resource for Cosmetics R&D;
- Wrinkle-Fighting Breakthrough – by Leslie Baumann;
- Product Launch of the Year: Aveeno Ageless Vitality Rejuvenating Skin Treatment – by futurederm;
- Neutrogena Clinical with ion2 Complex – by marta;