Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is an organic acid contained in the fruit skin of garcinia cambogia, a plant that grows in Southeast Asia. While the fruit skin of garcinia cambogia has long been used as spice, it is now attracting attention as a slimming supplement due to its ability to block fat synthesis. As HCA is water-soluble and does not readily permeate the skin, it was difficult to use HCA in cosmetics. SDK, however, has developed a lipophilic derivative of HCA, increasing transdermal permeability of the active compound (HCA).
Control of fat accumulation: Slimming
Absorbed saccharides turn into citric acid in adipocytes within the subcutaneous tissue. Citric acid is eventually converted into fatty acid by the action of an enzyme called ATP citrate lyase, resulting in the accumulation of fat. HCAP(TM), after permeation through the skin, is digested into HCA by the action of an enzyme inside cells, inhibiting the activity of ATP citrate lyase. As a result, the synthesis and accumulation of fatty acid is controlled, greatly contributing to slimming.
Promotion of elastin production: Anti-aging
Skin elasticity is influenced by collagen fibers and elastin fibers in the dermis. Lower production, due to aging, of collagen fiber (which keeps skin firmness) and elastin fiber (which ensures skin elasticity) causes skin saggings and wrinkles. When HCAP(TM) inhibits fat metabolism in fibroblasts, citric acid becomes available for use by energy-producing organellas inside cells. This increases the efficiency of energy production, promoting energy metabolism and activating cells. As a result, the production of elastin increases.
The use of HCAP(TM) in cosmetics is expected to contribute significantly to both slimming and anti-aging purposes, including the prevention of skin saggings. In this connection, SDK is already selling Hi-Carnitine (HLC), a cosmetic raw material that promotes fat combustion and moisturizes the skin. Thus, SDK can now provide slimming agents based on two different approaches, namely, HCAP(TM), which controls fat accumulation; and HLC, which reduces accumulated fat by combustion.
SDK will present its HCAP(TM) and HLC at the 7th Cosmetic Ingredients & Technology Exhibition Japan (CITE Japan 2015) to be held at Pacifico Yokohama from June 3 through 5 (SDK's booth: A10-1).
We will continue developing highly functional cosmetic raw materials, meeting customer expectations and expanding our business in this field.
Full press release: http://www.sdk.co.jp/english/news/14436/14468.html
About Showa Denko
Showa Denko K.K. ('SDK'; TSE: 4004, US: SHWDF) is a major manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving a wide range of fields ranging from heavy industry to the electronic and computer industries. SDK makes petrochemicals (ethylene, propylene), aluminum products (ingots, rods), electronic equipment (hard disks for computers) and inorganic materials (ceramics, carbons). The company has overseas operations and a joint venture with Netherlands-based Montell and Nippon Petrochemicals to make and market polypropylenes. In March 2001, SDK merged with Showa Denko Aluminum Corporation to strengthen the high-value-added fabricated aluminum products operations, and is today developing next-generation optical communications-use wafers. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.
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