New CBD alternative to promote skin health and wellbeing

Givaudan Active Beauty unveils Silybidiol™, the first globally compliant alternative to the iconic Cannabidiol molecule, commonly known as CBD.

Designed to combat the harmful effects of urban photo-pollution and promote skin health, Silybidiol™ is extracted from the fruit of milk thistle using green fractionation. It offers a new, holistic approach to ageing, leveraging the emerging concept of OxInflammation, which is the vicious cycle connecting oxidative stress and inflammation.

In recent years, the perception of skincare and ageing has evolved towards a more positive and resilient approach known as “pre-ageing”. This approach emphasises the importance of self-care, focusing on prevention and overall wellbeing. It recognises the link between positive emotional wellbeing and skin condition, promoting skin health and longevity.

The exposome – the set of extrinsic aggressors to which our skin is exposed – is an important factor challenging skin health and longevity. It encompasses UV radiation and pollution, which disrupt the skin’s delicate OxInflammation balance – which is the interconnection of two key biological pathways. These factors can have a damaging cumulative effect on skin health and emotional balance.

Innovation delivers same benefits as CBD

Silybidiol™ binds to cannabinoid receptors in the skin and activates cellular crosstalk leading to the activation of skin defences and detoxification pathways to effectively maintain OxInflammation balance and promote wellbeing.

Clinically tested versus placebo and CBD, on volunteers exposed to photo-pollution, Silybidiol™ offers:

• A drastic improvement in skin homogeneity (2.7x better than CBD)
• Enhanced skin radiance (1.6x better than CBD)
• An improvement in volunteers’ wellbeing (equivalent to CBD).

“We discovered that Silybidiol™ specifically activates CB2 cannabinoid receptors and delivers the same benefits as the hero CBD molecule. As such, not only does it reduce inflammation, which improves skin tone, but it also stimulates the production of beta-endorphins, feel-good peptides that contribute to overall wellness,” comments Romain Reynaud, Research & Development Director. “This dual-action mechanism underlines Silybidiol™’s efficacy in promoting healthy, radiant skin while supporting emotional wellbeing.”

Vegan suitable and of 100% natural origin ISO 16128, Silybidiol™ complies with global standards. It unlocks new perspectives to protect and reverse the consequences of the exposome for all consumers of beauty products.

Visit Givaudan Active Beauty’s digital platform dedicated to cosmetic ingredients to learn more about this new ingredient. Silybidiol™ is available in South Africa from The Care Co.