Issued
26th April 2005
Oxonica Ltd, a leading European technology company,
has patented a revolutionary new UV filter called
Optisol. As of this month, Optisol™ is available
on shelves as an active component of Boots' new Soltan
Facial Sun Defence Cream.
Optisol offers several major benefits over existing
filters. In addition
to protecting against UVB, the traditional focus of sun protection, Optisol offers
enhanced protection against UVA light. It is now believed that UVA light
is also responsible for skin damage and sunscreens sold in the UK have a star
rating, developed by Boots PLC, to indicate the amount of UVA protection offered. Test
data has shown that sunscreens formulated with Optisol can provide enhanced protection
against both UVB and UVA.
Optisol is a milder, longer lasting and innovative new form of titanium
dioxide, a commonly used ingredient in sunscreens which acts to absorb UV light. A
tiny amount of manganese is incorporated within the titanium dioxide, adding
major benefits; the manganese absorbs extra UVA giving a higher level of protection
and also acts to stop the formation of free radicals in the titanium dioxide.
These effects give enhanced performance which is extremely photostable, ensuring
that the product's ability to protect isn't broken down by the sun.
Further benefits are seen in a broader cosmetic context. Anti-oxidants such as
vitamin C are commonly added to cosmetic products to scavenge free radicals and
promote healthy skin. However, the anti-oxidants themselves can be degraded
by UV. Optisol provides additional performance benefits by acting to protect
vitamins and plant extracts from UV allowing these cosmetic anti-oxidants to
retain efficacy for longer. In this way, Optisol further helps to prevent
cell damage and premature skin ageing. Optisol also enhances the cosmetic
performance of formulated products, with users reporting an immediate improvement
in skin tone and radiance.
Mike Brown, Boots Suncare Scientific Adviser, who played a central role in the
creation of the new range of Soltan Facial sun protection said:
“The addition of Optisol to the new Soltan 5 Star facial sun care range offers
people the best sun care protection on the market. It is essential to choose
a sunscreen with good UVA protection. The new Soltan Facial suncare range,
offers higher levels of protection from UVA rays for the same SPF, whilst also
reducing the formation of free radicals on the skin. In this way, it works
not only to protect against the immediate effects of over exposure to sunlight,
but also as a long-term anti-ageing agent. Optisol is the next generation of
sun protection as it offers milder, better and longer lasting protection. One
can rest assured that the delicate skin around the face and neck area is protected
from damage arising from exposure to the sun.”
David Browning, Business Director, Oxonica Healthcare said:
“We are delighted that Boots have enhanced their sun protection range through
the inclusion of Optisol as an important component of the new Boots Soltan Facial
Sun Defence Cream. Boots are renowned as innovators in sun care technology
and their early adoption of Oxonica's UV technology provides an excellent endorsement
of the potential of Optisol as a revolutionary UV absorber and free radical scavenger
product within the sun care and cosmetics area.”
Oxonica is also in discussions with other major cosmetic companies regarding
inclusion of Optisol in their sun care and cosmetic ranges.
The Company is looking to build relations worldwide and has recently signed their
first distribution agreement with Hanjoo C&C Co. Ltd, to further market Optisol
UV Absorber in South Korea.
About Oxonica - www.oxonica.com
Oxonica Limited is a leading European technology
group, with products already launched into the global
market.
The company was spun-out in 1999 from the University of Oxford and is based in
Oxford, England. Oxonica currently employs 30 professional staff and is led by
a strong and commercially experienced management team.
Oxonica's mission is to develop commercial solutions from technology. It owns
a diverse portfolio of demand driven products that offer substantial benefits
to the target markets of environmental, healthcare and materials.
Lead products include:
Ø Envirox™ Fuel Borne Catalyst – A
nanocatalyst optimising fuel economy and reducing emissions
Ø Optisol™ UV Absorber – A range of
ultra-stable UVA absorbers with enhanced free radical scavenging, with immediate
applications in sunscreens and other cosmetics
Oxonica is also active in searching for the next generation of products and is
already engaged in developing transformational detection technologies which will
enable a new generation of diagnostic products for the clinical diagnostic and
life science markets.
In addition, the company is developing other UV absorber technologies into polymer
systems and coatings, based on similar technologies to that used in Optisol.
Optisol and Envirox are trademarks of Oxonica Ltd.
For further information please contact:
Sonia Bouzid, PR & Marketing Communications, Oxonica. sonia.bouzid@oxonica.com +44
(0) 1865 856 728
Nigel Robson, Vortex PR
Island House, Forest Road, Forest, Guernsey GY8 0AB, Great Britain
Tel +44 1481 233080, Fax +44 1481 233082 Mobile +44 7766
705866
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