Symrise launches anti-itch ingredient

17/01/06 Symrise has launched a new active ingredient for the cosmetics industry with SymCalmin.

Symrise could demonstrate that avenanthramides are the active constituents of oat, which has been long known for its anti-irritant and anti-itch properties. The identification and use of bioactive substances in plants – as e.g. in oats – is one of the key research areas at Symrise. Natural avenanthramides constitute only a minor fraction of oat.

Taking nature as a guide, Symrise has synthesized a stable version of avenanthramide called Dihydroavenanthramide D, a patent pending compound. Studies have also shown that Dihydroavenanthramide D is effective to help reduce itch and inflammation. It can be used for a wide range of topical applications like dry and itchy winter skin, aged skin, sensitive skin, after-sun preparation, itchy scalp and anti-dandruff shampoo. It can also be used to reduce potential irritation of actives like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

Dihydroavenanthramide D is available under the trade name SymCalmin. It is a colorless and odorless liquid soluble in polyols like glycerin and glycols, ethanol and surfactants. The (proposed) INCI of SymCalmin is “Pentylene Glycol and Butylene Glycol and Dihydroavenanthramide D”. The recommended dose of application is 0.1 – 2.0%.

The cosmetic industry increasingly takes leads for new active materials from nature. Symrise demonstrates its long-standing experience in identification and isolation of botanical actives with the development of SymCalmin, which evolved from the research of the active anti-irritant principle in oats.