New Formulations: Protective Body Products
Sampar’s Winsome Body collection is formulated to act as a shield against pollution.
By Marie Redding, Senior EditorWe’ve all seen skin care products that incorporate high-tech ingredients. These ingredients are meant to accomplish everything from plumping the skin (with Botox) to being an alternative to a laser peel and targeting cellulite. Now, a new line called Winsome Body by Sampar claims to protect the skin against the effects of pollution.
The line contains a patented Urban Active Complex, which is described as an antipollution shield for the skin. Patrick Sounigo, the brand’s founder and formulator, developed the line at Parlabo Laboratories in Paris. He says that the ingredients found in Urban Active Complex protect skin from the oxidation and inflammation caused by environmental pollution and extrinsic aging. Lead, chlorine, and tap water are neutralized, while a “protective shield” is formed to soothe the skin and to reinforce its natural defense mechanisms.
The use of nanotechnology made this type of formula possible, says Sounigo. “We use active ingredients with a low molecular weight so that they are small enough to penetrate the skin’s cells,” he says. At the same time, larger molecules stay on the skin’s surface, providing moisturizing benefits.
The Complex is a blend of high concentrations of three active ingredients, including biopeptides, citrus bioflavonoids, and essential oils. Shea butter extract is one of the natural ingredients incorporated in all of the products. “It protects against the inflammatory reactions caused by chlorine and nicotine, while neutralizing the iron and lead found in polluted air so that skin appears brighter,” says Sounigo. Mint leaf extract is another important ingredient. “This calms pollution-induced inflammation and stimulates the production of pleasure hormones, inducing a feeling of well-being,” says Sounigo. Finally, plant sugar and lactate extract are active natural elements used to help develop beneficial bacteria that restore the skin’s equilibrium, stimulate cell regeneration, and enable the skin to repair itself, he says.
The packages for the collection include a jar for Lap of Luxury Sea Scrub, whose essential oils and sea salt ingredients naturally preserve the product. Tubes with flip-top caps are used for Dew It Again Shower Gel, Joyous Body Milk, and Go Figure Slimming Gel. A soft-touch finish is used on these tubes to convey a feeling of luxury and to remind the user of the product’s benefits. Lift Me Up Bust Cream is in an airtight bottle. The product is dispensed through a small opening on the top when the cap is pushed down.
Sampar had already had a facial skin care line on the market that contains similar ingredients to the Winsome Body line, but the launch of this new line is an example of how consumers are expecting more, in all product categories. If more body care products start to take cues from skin care products, perhaps there will soon be a need for a greater variety of packaging options, such as high-end tubes and jars with more protective features. If this line is any indication, we will soon see more new bath and body lines being formulated with just as many active ingredients as facial products.