Table 1.
Examples of Some Major Active Constituents and Their Actions in the Product Formulations
| Agent | Mode of Action |
|---|---|
| Tripeptide-1 | Releases gelatinase, clears ECM, stimulates neocollagenesis and neoelastagenesis5 |
| Hexapeptide-12 | Elastin binding protein draws in elastin and optimizes fibroblast function—synergistic activity with tripeptide-1 on scar control (TGF-β3) and matrix remodeling5 |
| Hexapeptide-11 | Stimulates autophagy, aiding macrophages in lipid droplet and debris absorption and cellular recovery10,25 |
| Acetyl tetrapeptide-2 | Stimulates elastin formation through LOXL1 activity10 |
| Phosphatidylserine | Aids in macrophage activity (“eat me” signaling), stimulates procollagen, improves glycation end product elimination5,10,25 |
| Lactoferrin | Plasmin inhibitor—aids in macrophage activity optimization, biofilm inhibition25 |
| Oleuropein | Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, stimulates ubiquitin and autophagic processes5 |
| Phytoene/phytofluene | Colorless carotenoids derived from saltwater microalgae that modulate prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) and have the ability to quench oxygen radicals25 |
| Naringenin | Citrus/vitamin B derivative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, reduces erythema and irritation5 |
| Tetrandrine | Inhibitor of smad 2/3 signaling, increase smad 7—scar control26 |
| Centella asiatica | Inhibitor of smad 2/3 signaling, increase smad 7 and TGF-β327 |
| Xylitol | Antibiofilm synergistic activity with lactoferrin25 |
ECM, extracellular matrix; LOXL1, lysyl oxidase-like enzyme 1; smads, intracellular proteins that transduce extracellular signals from TGF ligands to the nucleus where they activate downstream gene transcription; TGF-β3, transforming growth factor beta 3.