Sensitive skin, a global concern
Consumer behavior among those with sensitive skin shows a strong preference for immediate results. However, in 2024, only 12% of finished products claimed to have a fast/speed effect on sensitive skin symptoms such as redness and dryness. Meanwhile, among Chinese consumers with sensitive skin, 32% were looking for an immediate soothing effect and 54% were looking for an immediate moisturising effect. [2]
While a universally accepted clinical definition is lacking, the International Forum for the Study of Itch has proposed a consensus definition and define sensitive skin as “A syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, pain, pruritus, and tingling sensations) in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. These unpleasant sensations cannot be explained by lesions attributable to any skin disease. The skin can appear normal or be accompanied by erythema. Sensitive skin can affect all body locations, especially the face [3].”
Reishi, a source of inspiration
Picture 1: Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms
Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as reishi, is an adaptogenic mushroom native to the mountains of China. It is renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for its rich concentration in potent biomolecules, including triterpenes, polyphenols and polysaccharides. These compounds contribute to reishi’s diverse benefits such as stress adaptation, soothing properties, barrier repair, and moisturization.
An innovative triple action targeting the symptoms of sensitive skin
Leveraging market insights and the properties of reishi potent biomolecules, Seppic developed Ganocalm™ (Propanediol, Ganoderma lucidum extract) to effectively address sensitive skin symptoms. This innovative solution provides an immediate triple action targeting stinging, redness, and dryness, supported by robust experimental and clinical data:
In vitro studies demonstrate that Ganocalm™ modulates sensory receptor activation by inhibiting TRPA1 which plays a key role in itchiness (-50%*) and TRPV1 involved in nociception (-45%**).
It also reduces local inflammation by decreasing IL-1a (-43%∘) and IL-8 (-63%) which are markers responsible for the inflammatory reaction.
Furthermore, Ganocalm™ strengthens the skin barrier by increasing filaggrin synthesis (+75%).
*p<0.01 versus control or activator / **p<0.05 versus activator / ∘p<0.01 versus stress / ∘∘p<0.001 versus stress / °p<0.05 versus control
In vivo clinical trials confirm these findings, demonstrating a 15.6-fold reduction in stinging sensation compared to placebo* after just 5 minutes.
It also showed a 2.5-fold reduction in redness within one hour versus placebo*.
Decrease of redness (Left: Formula with 1% Ganoderma lucidum extract at T0; Right: Formula with 1% Ganoderma lucidum extract at T1h)
Finally, Ganocalm™ demonstrated a 1.3-fold increase in skin hydration compared to placebo* after one hour (*p<0.01).
In summary, given the high consumer demand for fast-acting relief from sensitive skin issues, Ganocalm™ provides a solution by uniquely targeting the sensory receptors. This innovative, triple-action approach ensures not only immediate soothing from stinging but also a quick reduction in redness and both immediate and lasting hydration.
COSMOS certified and NaTrue approved, Ganocalm™ is 100% natural according to the ISO 16128 standard. It is also Halal certified and complies with Chinese regulations (IECSC and IECIC).