Vitamin B5, the hero molecule.
From inflammation to skin aging, vitamin B5 provides numerous benefits: hydration, healing, protection, and soothing. It is truly a hero molecule, but it is unstable in cosmetic formulations. Therefore, its synthetic precursor, D-Panthenol, is typically used. However, CODIF Technologie Naturelle has developed the first ingredient that allows the skin to synthesize its own vitamin B5, in the right dose, according to its needs.
The skin microbiota feeds on Pantodium Cica to produce vitamin B5 with the same efficiency as D-Panthenol. But Pantodium Cica is MORE than just an alternative to D-Panthenol. In fact, from the second application of Pantodium Cica, a synergy is created between the active ingredient and vitamin B5. This is what we call the Pantodium B5 complex.
It’s important to know that every human being heals differently, depending on age, skin color, genetic heritage and many other criteria. The fact that Pantodium Cica enables the skin to produce vitamin B5 at the physiological dose makes each skin care product unique and personalized.
An inspiring sourcing and processing method
Pantodium Cica is obtained through the fermentation of the alga Codium Tomentosum, cultivated under strict controlled conditions. This is a giant unicellular alga with regenerative properties. Also called the "Giant Cell Alga," Codium tomentosum belongs to the family of "siphoned" algae. It appears as tubes (or siphons) arranged in complex networks, all within a single cell. While most plant or animal cells are measured in micrometers, the giant cell of Codium is several million times larger. If all the siphons of Codium were unrolled and laid end to end, they would stretch for nearly 30 km.
Codium is an interesting algae for cosmetics due to its regenerative capabilities. It is cultivated in Aveiro, Portugal, by ALGAPLUS, the partner of CODIF Technologie Naturelle. The cultivation begins in a nursery, in a lab culture, for 2 to 4 weeks, before being grown outdoors in tanks for 11 to 15 weeks.
Once harvested, Codium undergoes fermentation. The holobiont refers to the alga and all the microorganisms that live in symbiosis with it. CODIF has selected a marine bacterium that lives in symbiosis with Codium to perform our fermentation step. The alga and its symbiotic bacteria are cultivated separately, then brought into contact during the fermentation stage in a bioreactor.
The mechanism of action of Pantodium Cica
The dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) represents the direct adhesion support for keratinocytes in the skin. Pantodium Cica strengthens the DEJ for better support of epidermal regeneration through two stages. The regeneration stage, which is the cell division phase, replaces damaged epidermis by activating the division of keratinocytes via an increase in growth factors.
Also, the cell differentiation stage, the finishing phase, activates processes related to differentiation: the synthesis of adhesion proteins, epidermal lipids, and components of the corneal envelope.
Clinically proven efficacy
The effectiveness of Pantodium Cica is backed by solid clinical data. In a 24-hour hydration test, a single application showed a significant increase in skin hydration. For dry skin, the results showed a 12% improvement in hydration level in just two days, reaching over 30% after 7 days. Used at concentrations of 0.5% to 1%, Pantodium Cica visibly improves skin texture and appearance by reducing redness and irritation. In the first week, it brings noticeable restructuring benefits for reactive or sensitive skin.
Healing and soothing power
Pantodium Cica goes beyond hydration. In 7 days, trial participants observed a 29% reduction in visible scars and acne marks, thanks to its powerful regenerative properties. It is also an effective solution for treating skin damage caused by external aggressions or post-aesthetic treatments, with a 16% reduction in imperfections and a 32% decrease in sensitivity. The ingredient has demonstrated significant reductions in inflammatory markers associated with irritation and inflammation.
Great versatility in formulation
The versatility of Pantodium Cica allows it to be integrated into various skincare products, from light creams to more intensive repairing balms. For daily use, Pantodium Cica is effective at 0.5%, making it suitable for a variety of products to hydrate dry skin, soothe sensitive skin, and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. When used at 1%, it significantly helps reduce acne scars, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. At 2%, it offers deep tissue repair, ideal in a repairing balm, for improving the skin’s healing process.
