During the last edition of SEPAWA, Ute Wollenweber, head of Quimivita's cosmetics division in Germany, presented at her conference a revolutionary ingredient with great potential for the cosmetics industry: UpCork Aox.
This active ingredient, obtained from cork from Mediterranean forests, has been developed as a sustainable and highly effective solution for skin care.
Cork, the bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber L.), is a valuable natural material used mainly in the manufacture of wine stoppers.
However, cork processing generates solid waste which, although considered waste by volume, contains compounds of high biological value, such as polyphenols, known for their powerful antioxidant properties.
During his talk, Wollenweber highlighted the ability of these polyphenols to protect the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals and UV radiation. UpCork Aox, obtained using polar solvent extraction technologies, harnesses the phenolic compounds present in cork, such as phenolic acids, phenolic aldehydes and flavonoids, all bioactive compounds that provide benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing activity.
Ute Wollenweber explains ‘Interest in natural phenolic compounds has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to their proven efficacy without the adverse effects that often accompany their synthetic counterparts. In this context, UpCork Aox is positioned as a key ingredient for cosmetic formulations seeking effective protection against ageing and a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative’.
With UpCork Aox, Quimivita is committed to innovative ingredients that respond to market trends towards more natural, effective and responsible products. In vitro tests have demonstrated its ability to improve skin firmness and elasticity, as well as to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, making it an excellent choice for formulators of anti-ageing and sun protection products.