Tag Archives: anti-inflammatory

Why NeoGenesis Uses Sodium Benzoate and Gluconolactone As An Antimicrobial Preservative System

The use of gluconolactone and sodium benzoate together as a preservative system has, 1.  a wide range of global regulatory acceptance, 2. Broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, 3.  ECOCERT/COSMOS-accepted. 4.NATRUE- approved and Soil Association-approved, 5. added moisturization benefit, and 6. anti-inflammatory properties. This safe and efficacious preservative system with skin benefits compares to others such as phenoxyethanol that is toxic and easily penetrates the skin into the blood.

Sodium Benzoate

Cinnamon contains a major compound, cinnamaldehyde, which is converted into cinnamic acid by oxidation. In the liver, this cinnamic acid is β-oxidized to benzoate (Abd El-Mawla et al., 2001) that exists as sodium salt (NaB) or benzoyl-CoA. As a safe metabolite of cinnamon, sodium benzoate (NaB), is a widely-used food preservative and a FDA-approved drug against urea cycle disorders in humans, found to increase the levels of neurotrophic factors [e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)] in the CNS (Jana et al, 2013). So safe is NaB that it is approved as an injectable for certain brain diseases (Misel et al, 2013).

NaB is of medical importance as it is a component of Ucephan, a FDA-approved drug used in the treatment for hepatic metabolic defects associated with hyperammonemia such as urea cycle disorder in children (Leonard and Morris, 2002; Scaglia et al., 2004). It is also widely used as a preservative in broad range of foods and cosmetic products (Nair, 2001). It is non-toxic and can be administered as a solution in drinking water. One study reported that a 2% solution of NaB in drinking water is safe for lifelong treatment in mice without any measurable negative side effects (Toth, 1984). Recent studies have found that NaB is capable of modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses (Brahmachari and Pahan, 2007; Brahmachari et al., 2009; Brahmachari and Pahan, 2010), several studies finding that NaB in switching the balance of Th cell subsets toward anti-inflammatory Th2 and Tregs types (Brahmachari et al, 2007; Rezaei et al, 2016). Inflammatory cytokines found in arthritis were also found to be decreased with NaB using in vitro models (Bemani et al, 2020).

NaB is not only efficacious as an antimicrobial preservative and as an immune modulator, but it is also safe – it does not convert to benzene under the conditions of use as a cosmetic or food preservative as told by some ignorent people I’ve heard talk about the subject. This was a concern back in the 1990s, but was cleared as a problem in the 2000s. Those initial reports from the FDA that small amounts of benzene were in soda drinks has now been found to be in error, as the FDA has said, “the TDS [FDA’s Total Diet Study lab] benzene results appeared to be unreliable.” Benzene formation in the analytic techniques used by the FDA’s TDS lab in Kansas were the culprit, along with contamination (FDA Report, 02/25/2022).

Gluconolactone

In nature, GLA can be found in honey, tofu, cheese, wine, bread, fruit juices, among others, and as an approved food additive

Gluconolactone (GDL) is anti-inflammatory by enhancing in vitro induced (i)Treg differentiation and function, and in imiquimod-induced autoimmunity in mice, treatment with GDL alleviates inflammation by inhibiting TH17 cells (Li et al, 2025).

In patients suffering from cutaneous lupus erythematosus, topical application of a GDL-containing cream controlled skin inflammation and improved the clinical and histologic appearance of the skin lesions within 2 weeks (Li et al, 2025).

GLA exhibits antioxidant and moisturizing effects. It protects elastin fibers from UV-induced degradation (Jarząbek-Perz et al, 2023).

NaB and GLA Compared to Phenoxyethanol

Compared to anti-inflammatory and non-toxic NaB and GLA, phenoxyethanol (PE) is known to be toxic to epithelial cells (Wang et al, 2020). At concentrations equal to and/or less than those dosages approved for human use, PE significantly decreased the signaling activity of the Akt pathway in epithelial cells within 30 min, and induced their atrophy and death within 24 h of exposure. Further, PE is known to penetrate the skin when topically applied, having a dermal resorption rate of about 45% in humans – meaning 45% of PE applied topically travels through the skin into the blood (Eckert et al, 2025).

Summary

The use of gluconolactone and sodium benzoate together as an antimicrobial preservative system for skin care not only provides safe and effective, broad-spectrum effects, the combination also provides substantial skin care benefits, including moisturization, UV protection, and anti-inflammatory effects. Carefully choosing every ingredient we put into our products is one reason why NeoGenesis products are safe and efficacious.

References

Abd El-Mawla AM, Schmidt W, Beerhues L. Cinnamic acid is a precursor of benzoic acids in cell cultures of Hypericum androsaemum L. but not in cell cultures of Centaurium erythraea RAFN. Planta. 2001;212:288–293.

Brahmachari S et al (2007) Sodium Benzoate, a Food Additive and a Metabolite of Cinnamon, Modifies T Cells at Multiple Steps and Inhibits Adoptive Transfer of Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis1. J Immunol 1 July 2007; 179 (1): 275–283.

Bemani P et al (2020) In Vitro Effects of Sodium Benzoate on the Expression of T Cells-related Cytokines and Transcription Factors in Adjuvant-induced Arthritis Model. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol, May2020; 19(Supple.1):43-54.

Eckert E, Jäger T, Leibold E, Bader M, Göen T, Hiller J. Dermal penetration of 2-phenoxyethanol in humans: in vivo metabolism and toxicokinetics. Arch Toxicol. 2025 Mar;99(3):1095-1103.

Jarząbek-Perz S, Dziedzic M, Rotsztejn H, Kołodziejczak A. Evaluation of the effects of 10% and 30% gluconolactone chemical peel on sebum, pH, and TEWL. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023; 22: 3305-3312.

Li W et al (2025) Gluconolactone restores immune regulation and alleviates skin inflammation in lupus-prone mice and in patients with cutaneous lupus.Sci. Transl. Med.17,eadp4447(2025).

Jana A, Modi KK, Roy A, Anderson JA, van Breemen RB, Pahan K. Up-regulation of neurotrophic factors by cinnamon and its metabolite sodium benzoate: therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative disorders. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2013 Jun;8(3):739-55.

Misel ML, Gish RG, Patton H, Mendler M. Sodium benzoate for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2013 Apr;9(4):219-27

Rezaei N, Amirghofran Z, Nikseresht A, Ashjazade N, Zoghi S, Tahvili S, Kamali-Sarvestani E. In Vitro Effects of Sodium Benzoate on Th1/Th2 Deviation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Immunol Invest. 2016 Oct;45(7):679-91.

Wang J, Yang Liu, Wendy R. Kam, Ying Li, David A. Sullivan, Toxicity of the cosmetic preservatives parabens, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin on human meibomian gland epithelial cells, Experimental Eye Research, Volume 196, 2020, 108057,

Why I Formulate With Chondrus Crispus Extract, and Why It’s Not Comedogenic

Chondrus crispus extract is a polysachharide, which are not comedogenic, and is known for its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and wound-healing properties on human skin.

NeoGenesis is a biotech company that has the most advanced skin care products on the market, utilizing, for example, our S2RM – stem cell released molecules technology (exosomes, ectosomes, and soluble fraction) that is the most advanced penetration technology in the skin care marketplace. At NeoGenesis we feature science-to-market ingredients that work and are backed by scientific and clinical studies. Chondrus crispus extract is one the science-to-market ingredients used by NeoGenesis. I’ll dig into the science of Chondrus crispus extract (CCE) in the next paragraph, but even a cursory online search of the ingredient gives you an outline of how good this extract is for the skin. Whether it’s SpecialChem, EWG, or Paula’s Choice, scientists reviewing the studies of Chondrus crispus extract all extole its virtues in skin care. Little wonder the ingredient is widely used in skin care products.

Recent studies have found CCE mitigated inflammation and improved scratch-wound healing, and reduce environmental stress. A number of beneficial metabolites can be obtained from algae, including antioxidants, mycosporine-like amino acids, carotenoids, pigments, flavanoids, and polysaccharides. Further, CCE is sustainably sourced unlike a number of competing ingredients.

CCE also contains 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body. This includes calcium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Further, because CCE contains sulfur, it may help to reduce sebum production. CCE also contains omega-3 fatty acids, good for the skin, including acneic skin, whether topical or oral.

You can also read what other scientists and physicians say about the benefits CCE when topically applied to the skin in the popular press here, and here.

Hyauronic Acid for Skin – Why Small is Good

There’s some bullcrap on social media promulgated by a physician who wasn’t trained as a dermatologist and lost his mecidal license, saying that low molecular weight hyaluroic acid (HA) is bad for the skin. Little could be further from the truth. Let’s explore the benefits of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, and even HA nanoparticles. The benefits are huge.

HA is a type of glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and is found in many parts of the body, including the skin. In the skin, HA retains and evenly distributes water, thus preserving the volume of the skin and its elastic and flexible properties.. HA also plays a protective role as an inhibitor of free radicals, generated upon exposure to solar radiation. HA has been reported to be about one third of the total amount of both the dermis (±0.5 mg/g wet tissue) and the epidermis (±0.1 mg/g wet tissue. In the epidermis, the HA is metabolized and actively participates in many regulatory processes, such as cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In the dermis, it fills the extracellular spaces

The benefits of using topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMHA) in your skincare routine are many. Here are a few key benefits that make this ingredient a must-have in your skincare routine:

  • Deep Hydration: LMHA delivers moisture deep into the skin layers, ensuring that your skin remains hydrated for a longer period.
  • Reduced inflammation: LMHA has been found to decrease inflammatory cytokines in the skin
  • Improved Skin Texture: Regular use of LMHA can lead to a smoother and softer skin texture, thanks to its ability to boost collagen production.
  • Reduced Signs of Aging: LMHA can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a youthful glow.
  • Enhanced Skin Barrier: By providing deep hydration, LMHA strengthens the skin’s barrier function, protecting it from environmental stressors.

Let’s look at some of the evidence:

Hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HA-NPs) have recently been found to exhibit significant efficacy in treating psoriasis, one of the inflammatory skin diseases (ISDs) (Lee et al, 2022). HA particles were able to penetrate deep into the skin and were hyaluronidase (HYAL) resistant. Furthermore, the HA particles exhibited receptor-mediated targeting of pro-inflammatory M1 type macrophages in inflamed skin. This macrophage-targeting ability of HA-NPs has also been observed in other inflammatory diseases such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and IBD.  

Indeed, low molecular weight HA, not just nanoparticles, have been found to penetrae the skin (Essendoubi et al, 2016) and be beneficial to a number of skin conditions, Seborrheic Dermatitis, UVB-induced inflammation, dry skin and disrupted barrier formation, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, leg ulcers,

LMHA Penetrates the Stratum Corneum

Low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (LMHA) is obtained by changing the molecular weight or modifying the functional groups of HA. In contrast to the stratum corneum impermeability of high-molecular-weight HA (1000–1400 kDa), the LMHA (20–300 kDa) has been reported to pass through the stratum corneum by Raman spectroscopy (Essendoubi et al, 2016).

Positive Effects of LMHA

Increases NMF. Low molecular weight HA and nano-particles of HA have been found to provide many benfits to the skin. For example, evidence suggests that topical application of LMHA resulted in an increase in natural moisturizing factor and promote moisturization of the stratum corneum (Hashimoto and Maeda (2021).

Increases CASP14 and stratum Corneum Formation. Proteolytic activation of CASP14 is associated with stratum corneum formation, implicating CASP14 in terminal keratinocyte differentiation and cornification When LMHA was applied topically to the 3D epidermis model, the mRNA level of CASP14 was increased, and the activity of CASP14 was increased in the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum (Hashimoto and Maeda, 2021). They found that HA of molecular weights of 10 kDa or less can penetrate deep into the stratum corneum, affecting FLG-degrading enzymes in the stratum granulosum and mucopolysaccharides in the basal layer of epidermis.

 LMW-HA-induced activation of keratinocytes that is not accompanied by an inflammatory response, because no production of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, or IL-6 was observed (Gariboldi et al, 2007).. 

 500-kDa HMW-HA protects macrophages from LPS-induced inflammation, i.e. inflammatory cytokines, through an interaction between HMW-HA/CD44 and LPS/TLR4 signals (Muto et al, 2009).

Both LMW-HA and HMW-HA have inhibitory effects on TLR-mediated macrophage inflammation, therefore HA has a high capacity to suppress TLR4-related keratinocyte inflammation (Hu et al, 2022).

Highly expressed IL-6 in psoriatic skin stimulates abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, and IL-6 inhibition by HA (Hu et al, 2022) is helpful in maintaining skin homeostasis in conditions such as psoriasis

Low MW HA inhibits Th1 mediated inflammatory immune response (Zheng et al, 2022).

Topical LMHA significantly contributes to wrinkle resuction (Pavicic et al, 2011).

Topical application of nano-HA decreases wrinkles (Jegasothy et al, 2014)

LMHA influences the expression of various genes including those contributing to keratinocyte differentiation and formation of intercellular tight junction complexes without showing proinflammatory activity (Farwick et al, 2022).

LMHA can promote wound healing by accelerating epithelization through the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway (Liu et al, 2024).

 LMHA, 35 kDa low molecular weight hyaluronan fragment (HA35) has been found to alleviate pain when applied subcue (Zhang et al, 2024), thus it may have similar effects when applied to the skin.

LMHA when applied with amino acids, increased fibroblast activity resulting in the production of Type III reticular collagen, as well as an increased number of blood vessels and epidermal thickness (Scarano et al, 2024). 

LMHA is better than high MWHA (HMHA) in mosituring the skin of aged people (Muhammad et al, 2024).

Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid prevents oxygen free radical damage to granulation tissue during wound healing (Trabucchi et al, 2002).

LMHA inhibits inflammation through inhibition of leukocytes (Jia et al, 2023)

Butyrate conjugated forms of HA (one of the forms of HA that NeoGenesis uses) have been found to be anti-inflammatory by modulating cytokine expression and increasing lymph flow, thus preventing chronic wounds of all kinds from entering a chronic inflammatory state (Gao et al, 2019).

Summary

If you’re not using topical LMHA in your skin care routine, you’re likely to realize sub-optimal results.