Super antioxidant ergothioneine
L-Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant and a unique cellular physiological protector with various physiological functions such as scavenging free radicals, whitening, anti-aging, preventing UV radiation damage, maintaining DNA synthesis and normal cell growth, etc. It was first discovered in 1909 by Charles Tanret in his study of ergot fungus (L-Ergothioneine, EGT). L-Ergothioneine (EGT) was first discovered by Charles Tanret in 1909 when he was studying ergot fungus, and later it was also found in mushrooms and cyanobacteria. L-Ergothioneine (EGT) cannot be synthesised by plants and animals themselves, but can only be obtained through external sources, and its physiological activities are indispensable to plants and animals.EGT exists in two structural isomers, thiol and thione, in the dissolved state. At physiological pH, EGT exists mainly as a thione in aqueous solution.
Therefore, compared with other naturally occurring thiols (e.g., glutathione, N-acetylcysteine), EGT is a very stable antioxidant and is not susceptible to spontaneous oxidation at physiological pH. Ergothioneine can enter cells and mitochondria through the transporter OCTN-1 in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, directly scavenging reactive oxygen radicals and acting as an antioxidant to protect mitochondrial DNA.
Ergothioneine can be used in skin care products for the following purposes:
1. Whitening
Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant that is highly protective and non-toxic to cells and is not easily oxidised in water, which allows them to reach a concentration of 7mmol/L in some tissues and stimulate the natural antioxidant defence system of cells. Research results show that the addition of ergothioneine in cosmetics up to 0.01%-0.03% can hinder pigment formation and deposition and whiten the skin.
2. Antioxidant: Highly effective antioxidant to slow down aging.
L'Oreal has applied for a patent entitled "Use of ergothioneine and/or its derivatives as an anti-glycation agent", proposing that ergothioneine and its derivatives have the effect of reducing or even preventing the glycation of proteins, thus preventing the age-related loss of skin elasticity and repairing the skin. Age-related loss of skin elasticity, modification and improvement of facial contours, as well as stopping or improving the appearance of cellulite.
3. Sun Protection
Ergothioneine acts as a physiological filter for UV light as it has similar absorption wavelengths to DNA in the UV absorption range, minimising the formation of reactive oxygen species and protecting cells from radiation damage. It has been shown in several papers that ergothioneine can avoid the damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet radiation, which is a very effective sunscreen ingredient.
4. Anti-inflammatory, acne relief
Inflammation is the body's response when the skin is infected. Excessive UV exposure and stress are all triggers of skin inflammation. Studies have shown that ergothioneine can play an anti-inflammatory role in skin cells, and at the same time, combined with vitamin C will get more significant results. Elizabeth Arden has done the application of ergothioneine for UV-induced skin inflammation repair experiment, the surface of Idebenone and ergothioneine can reduce the UV-induced skin inflammation and photodamage.
5. Synergistic effect
Ergothioneine can regulate intracellular redox reactions, participate in intracellular energy regulation, and is a physiological protective agent for cells, with biological and pharmacological properties and its safety and stability. Therefore, adding ergothioneine to a product can not only maintain the stability of other ingredients, but also promote the absorption of active ingredients by cells, which has a very good synergistic effect and effectively enhances the efficacy of other ingredients, achieving the effect of 1 1>2. For example, if ergothioneine is used in an antioxidant product, not only can it play a strong antioxidant role by itself, but it can also synergise with other antioxidants to enhance their vitality.
Pur Sulfaine comes from bio-fermentation technology, pure and natural, with high content, strong activity and good efficacy, suitable for use in lightening and brightening, moisturising and firming, anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle and other functional skin care products.
