Everyone, even the youngest generation, wants to take on the challenge of youth preservation and healthy, radiant skin. In response to this need, Seppic has designed a fermented wild bilberry extract which, thanks to its origin, offers beneficial antioxidant properties for the skin.
Appearance, a multi-faceted concern
The nutricosmetics market is growing rapidly and has gained many consumers’ beauty routines. This new approach to beauty routines is driven by a growing awareness of the link between diet, general well-being, and appearance. Consumers, particularly women, are becoming more mindful of their appearance, and social media and beauty standards play a crucial role in this growing concern. According to Mintel, Generation Z living in the UK is prioritizing their appearance over travel and hobbies, demonstrating how important it has become to ever-younger generations.1
Appearance encompasses various parameters, including skin radiance and youth, both of which are often associated with healthy skin. In China, 66% of food supplement consumers have bought products with beauty enhancement or complexion improvement benefits.2 Similarly, in the UK, 32% of a panel of 2,000 people consider their facial skin to be healthy if it appears glowing, emphasizing the importance of radiance in the perception of skin health.3 Consumers are also well aware of the role of diet and certain categories of molecules on health and beauty. In Thailand, 56% of consumers are interested in antioxidant beauty supplements.4 With age, some skin challenges tend to be more prominent. Women from the UK are particularly concerned about their eye wrinkles, skin sagging, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.3
Understanding the impact of oxidative stress and the key role of antioxidants
Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced naturally during metabolic processes or triggered by external factors such as UV rays, pollution, or lifestyle habits like smoking and poor diet. These molecules, when present in excess, can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to long-term harm to the body. Daily aggressions exacerbate the production of free radicals, overwhelming the body’s natural defenses. This can cause significant damage to the skin, such as5:
- inflammation
- uneven skin tone
- hyperpigmentation
- premature aging
Antioxidants, on the other hand, play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress. They neutralize free radicals, helping to restore balance and prevent further cellular damage. By protecting the skin from the harmful effects of oxidative stress, antioxidants are essential in maintaining healthy, resilient skin and slowing down visible signs of aging.6
Fermented wild bilberry extract for skin plumping and complexion from the inside out
With the growing popularity of holistic wellness, nutricosmetics provide powerful solutions for enhancing beauty from within. Seppic, a manufacturer of branded nutraceutical active ingredients of natural origin for the nutricosmetics field, has designed a fermented wild bilberry extract that provides a dual action on both skin aging and complexion. Bilberries belong to the Vaccinium species, known as “superfoods” for their biologically active compounds and benefits. Listed in the Chinese and European pharmacopeias, bilberries are a major ally in traditional medicine, with various properties such as7:
- antioxidant effect
- anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial action
- vasoprotection
- ocular health
Despite their resemblance to blueberries, wild bilberries have a much more interesting antioxidant profile. They are richer in polyphenols, secondary metabolites that can be found in plants. Most of them work as antioxidants in the body, meaning they can help combat daily aggression.8
A first pilot study was conducted in 2020 to evaluate the potential of Seppic’s active ingredient on skin complexion in 60 healthy women (aged 18–65) with dull skin through a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The intervention group took a daily dose of 100 mg of SEPITONE™ during a period of 84 days. Significant effects on skin color, evenness, and softness were shown in those participants, providing the first evidence of SEPITONE™ benefits on skin appearance at a low dose of 100 mg/day.
In 2024, a second gold-standard clinical study demonstrated significant effects on skin tone and, for the first time, on the reduction of the signs of aging, offering a dual action on skin health and beauty.9 This study involved a panel of 66 women (aged 35-65) with uneven skin tone and visible signs of aging, representing different skin types from the first pilot study to better understand the overall effect of this active ingredient on women’s skin. The tested dose was also 100 mg/day of SEPITONE™ for 84 days.
Regarding skin complexion, this clinical study demonstrated a significant effect on several key parameters after only 28 days of supplementation: skin pigmentation, skin luminosity, skin coloration, and skin tone evenness. After 84 days of supplementation, 97% of participants reported a more even complexion after consuming Seppic’s active ingredient. 94% of the participants felt their skin looked better.
SEPITONE™ also showed beneficial effects on skin aging, with significant results after 28 days. It helped plump up the skin with a significant +13% increase in skin elasticity and a -14% reduction in skin wrinkle depth compared to placebo after 84 days. At the end of the clinical study, 94% of participants found that their skin was more plumped and that the product reduced the appearance of fine lines.
Additionally, a post-hoc subgroup analysis was conducted on a panel of postmenopausal women (19 women in the placebo group / 21 women in the group who received Seppic’s active ingredient). The results showed similar beneficial effects, demonstrating that this active ingredient is an ideal solution to support women throughout every stage of their life.
The beneficial effects on skin glow and plumping of Seppic’s active ingredient are explained by its antioxidant power. It was evaluated by performing FRAP assays (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Parameter) to compare the skin antioxidant potential of the participants at the end of the study compared to day 0. A significant increase in skin antioxidant potential of +19% was observed after 84 days of supplementation.
Beyond conventional bilberry extract, a wild origin and ancestral process
Seppic’s active ingredient is made from wild bilberries, collected directly in the forests of Northern and Eastern Europe, where they are native, at altitudes of over 800 meters. They are transported frozen to the center of France, where the active ingredient is produced, in order to preserve the freshness of the fruits and all their compounds. This ingredient is obtained by an ancestral process, which is none other than fermentation. This natural process has been traditionally used throughout the world as a technique for preserving food. Fermented foods and drinks have become increasingly popular over the last decade because of their health benefits. In particular, they are a rich source of antioxidants.
This manufacturing process not only preserves the essential nutrients of the bilberry, but can also increase the bioavailability of the active compounds.10 By using this method, Seppic provides a high-quality ingredient and ensures that it offers maximum benefits for skin health and beauty. The final product is GMO-free, Halal certified, and suitable for vegan and kosher formulations.
A dual action for a wide range of product concepts
With its convenient powder grade, this active ingredient is designed to fit into reference and trendy galenics such as capsules, tablets, and powder sticks. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, SEPITONE™ unlocks the potential for a wide range of formulations and product concepts, including:
- skin glow and brightness
- complexion enhancement
- clear skin support
- skin plumping
- anti-aging
- menopause support
Conclusion
Seppic’s ingredient stands out in the nutricosmetics market with its dual action on skin aging and complexion and meets the growing demand for highly targeted consumer solutions. The origin and proven efficacy of SEPITONE™ make it the perfect answer for all generations looking for a powerful solution to improve their appearance and take a holistic approach to their well-being.
Click here to learn more about Seppic’s wild bilberry extract.
REFERENCES
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Mintel. (2024, 31 october). Attitudes towards Inside-out Beauty – UK – 2024. Mintel.com.
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Mintel. (2021, 26 april). What’s trending in beauty supplements in North Asia?. Mintel.com.
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Mintel. (2024, 31 may). Facial Skincare – UK – 2024. Mintel.com.
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Mintel. (2022, 09 march). New ingestible beauty innovation trends to watch. Mintel.com.
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Chen, J., Liu, Y., Zhao, Z., & Qiu, J. (2021). Oxidative stress in the skin : Impact and related protection. International Journal Of Cosmetic Science, 43(5), 495‑509.
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Addor, F. A. S. (2017). Antioxidants in dermatology. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 92(3), 356‑362. https://doi.org/10.1590 abd1806-4841.20175697
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Vaneková, Z., & Rollinger, J. M. (2022). Bilberries : Curative and Miraculous – A Review on Bioactive Constituents and Clinical Research. Frontiers In Pharmacology, 13.
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Pandey, K. B., & Rizvi, S. I. (2009). Plant Polyphenols as Dietary Antioxidants in Human Health and Disease. Oxidative Medicine And Cellular Longevity, 2(5), 270‑278.
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Nobile, V., Dudonné, S., Kern, C., Roveda, G., & Garcia, C. (2024b). Antiaging, Brightening, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Fermented Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus) : A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 16(14), 2203.
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Ryu, J., Kang, H. R., & Cho, S. K. (2019). Changes Over the Fermentation Period in Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Blueberries Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum. Journal Of Food Science, 84(8), 2347‑2356.
