LVMH cosmetic brand Guerlain has launched a skin care product range featuring a novel active ingredient developed by scientists at Palacký University Olomouc in Czechia.
Orchidée Impériale Gold Nobile product range formulations use an active ingredient extracted from the Dendrobium nobile orchid to slow down the aging process.
Biophysicists from the Department of Biophysics of the Faculty of Science of Palacký University used advanced biophysical and optical methods for detailed monitoring of biological processes in the skin, which demonstrated the novel properties of the ingredient.
The research focused in particular on the so-called ultra-weak photon (UPE) emission – very weak light signals emitted by skin cells and which can serve as an indicator of ageing.
Dendrobium nobile is associated with the restoration of UPE emissions close to those of normal skin cells, as compared to senescent cells.
“Our results show that ultra-weak photon emission can be a sensitive indicator of changes in the skin associated with ageing,” said Ankush Prasad, head of the research team at the Department of Biophysics.
“Thanks to unique measurement technologies, we are able to monitor these processes and better understand how their course can be influenced,” he added.
The Faculty of Science of Palacký University began cooperation with the Guerlain cosmetics house, which is part of the LVMH Group, in 2022.
This partnership was subsequently followed by a three-year contract focused on further research into mechanisms related to the modulation of UPE emission in human skin and their contribution to cellular functions.
“This project is an example of how basic research in biophysics can find concrete applications in practice,” said Prasad.
“Connecting the university environment with an industrial partner allows scientific knowledge to be transferred into real products”.
