AnnonaSense CLR™: Balancing the Skin in a World Out of Balance
In an age where stress, pollutants, and allergens bombard our skin daily, finding a way to keep skin in balance is not just an option—it’s a necessity. As cosmetic formulators, your challenge is to stay ahead of this demand. Enter AnnonaSense CLR™, an active ingredient from CLR Berlin that taps into the skin’s own systems to maintain equilibrium in the face of these stressors. Today, we dive into the science that makes this ingredient a groundbreaking addition to skincare formulations.
The Skin’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Much like the universe itself, the skin is governed by complex systems, working quietly to maintain balance. One of these systems, the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), operates at a cellular level to regulate inflammation, sensitivity, and overall skin health. The ECS, paired with the EndoVanilloid System (EVS), is responsible for modulating inflammatory responses. AnnonaSense CLR™ is an ingredient that effectively interacts with these systems to help the skin respond more gracefully to stress.
At its core, AnnonaSense CLR™ is derived from the cherimoya fruit, a superfruit of the Incas, revered for its health-promoting properties. With a modern twist, CLR has extracted this fruit’s adaptogenic properties to create an ingredient that modulates the ECS and EVS, reducing inflammation and stabilizing skin’s homeostasis.
The Cellular Science: Tuning the Inflammatory Response
Stress on the skin manifests in the form of inflammation, irritation, and sensitivity, breaking down the skin barrier over time. Think of this as the string of an instrument being pulled too tight—eventually, it will snap. AnnonaSense CLR™ steps in like a master tuner, adjusting the string to its proper tension. It targets specific inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and CGRP, all of which are key players in the inflammatory cascade.
In vitro studies demonstrate that AnnonaSense CLR™ reduces the production of these pro-inflammatory agents, with results like:
- 92% reduction in IL-8, a major driver of inflammation
- 78% reduction in CGRP, a neuropeptide linked to inflammatory responses
- 80% reduction in IL-1β, a critical cytokine in immune response
- 48% reduction in IL-6, a cytokine heavily involved in the inflammatory process
These reductions are not just statistics—they’re a testament to the ability of AnnonaSense CLR™ to actively calm irritated skin and restore balance at a cellular level.
A Multifunctional Approach to Reducing Sensitivity, Itching, and Redness
One of the most intriguing aspects of AnnonaSense CLR™ is its ability to reduce skin sensitivity, itching, and redness—three major concerns for consumers today. Clinical trials with human volunteers revealed:
For formulators, this multifunctionality means you can create products that not only address skin health but also improve overall well-being and appearance. By reducing redness and calming irritation, AnnonaSense CLR™ not only supports the skin’s function but also enhances its visible health.
Adaptogens for the Modern World
If the word “adaptogen” sounds like something from a sci-fi novel, you’re not too far off. Adaptogens are substances that help the body—or in this case, the skin—adapt to stress. They stabilize physiological processes and promote balance, or homeostasis. AnnonaSense CLR™ does exactly this by acting as a potent adaptogen for the skin, helping it cope with external and internal stressors without becoming inflamed or irritated.
This is not just another soothing ingredient. Its ability to modulate the TRPV1 and CB2 receptors gives it a phytocannabinoid-like effect, making it an attractive, affordable alternative to CBD without the regulatory challenges
Sustainability Meets Efficacy
Today’s consumers care about more than just performance—they want products that align with their values. AnnonaSense CLR™ is not only COSMOS and NATRUE-certified, but it is also part of a broader sustainability story. The cherimoya fruit used in its production is upcycled from the food industry, taking fruit that would otherwise go to waste and transforming it into a powerful cosmetic active.
This sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of efficacy. With 3% AnnonaSense CLR™ in an aqueous gel, volunteers in clinical trials reported enhanced skin appearance, reduced skin tension, and improved overall quality of life after just 17 days of use.
The Future of Formulation: Simplicity and Efficacy
Consumers are increasingly looking for products that do more with less—fewer ingredients, but more benefits. AnnonaSense CLR™ provides formulators with the opportunity to create simple, effective formulations that address multiple skin concerns at once: sensitivity, inflammation, redness, and overall skin health.
In a world of complex skin challenges, AnnonaSense CLR™ offers a solution rooted in nature, powered by science, and driven by sustainability. It’s an ingredient that embodies balance, not only for the skin but for the modern consumer as well.