Produced from organic nopal flowers, Exfolactive reactivates endogenous desquamation processes, which are altered during aging, for a gentle and effective exfoliating action. The complexion is more radiant and unified, and the skin is hydrated.
Reactivate biological exfoliation
With age, the natural desquamation mechanism slows down, dead cells accumulate on the skin's surface. The complexion becomes dull, the microrelief irregular. In response to this observation, SILAB launched Exfolactive ® in 2005. In 2021, additional efficacy data confirm the ability of this natural active ingredient to :
- Boost the skin's natural exfoliation capacity, which is weakened by aging, by stimulating the activity of desquamation enzymes [1] ;
- promote cell renewal and eliminate scales for an optimal skin barrier function [2] .
Thanks to its effective biological exfoliating action on the face and body, Exfolactive ® allows the epidermis to recover a balance between proliferation and desquamation.
Even out the complexion
After 14 days of application, Exfolactive tested at 2.5% on a Caucasian panel significantly smoothes skin texture (Sa parameter: -7%). The complexion's radiance is improved (radiance: +10% and pink color: +20%) and age spots are reduced (-11%). Moreover, the skin is rehydrated (+24%).
Under the same conditions, Exfolactive decreases by 4.1% the a* parameter, characteristic of the color of the scars present on the cheeks on an Asian panel. The active ingredient also smoothes skin texture (roughness: -8.9%).
A comparative study conducted by SILAB shows that the benefits of this natural organic exfoliation are equivalent to those obtained with the reference molecules used in chemical scrubs (glycolic acid on Caucasian skin and salicylic acid on Asian skin), without their undesirable effects.
The nopal flower, an inspiring raw material
In order to propose a natural solution to reactivate the endogenous pathways of desquamation, SILAB has focused on the nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.). Present in the most hostile deserts, this cactus has indeed developed a remarkable capacity to renew itself year after year.
To ensure the traceability of its nopal flowers supply, SILAB has established a partnership in Tunisia, the first country producing this resource. The partner, specialized in organic nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) cultivation, is committed to a responsible Ecocert Fair for Life certification process. Between May and June, farmers harvest and dry the nopal flowers. The dried flowers are then subjected to a controlled hydrolysis allowing the optimal extraction in water of the oligosaccharides of interest.
Exfolactive (Hydrolyzed Opuntia ficus-indica Flower Extract) is a patented product, available in aqueous solution (recommended dose: 2 to 4%). This active ingredient has a content of natural origin greater than or equal to 99% (ISO 16128) and complies with international cosmetic regulations (Europe, USA, Japan, China, etc.).
[1] Tested at 1% on aged keratinocytes or aged reconstructed epidermis (SILABSKIN ® RE), Exfolactive ® increases cathepsin-D activity (+66%), restores kallikrein-5 secretion (+102%) and decreases the secretion of its inhibitor LEKTI (-85%)
[2] Tested in vivo at 2.5% on Caucasian skin, Exfolactive ® promotes the elimination of flaky skin on the face (+10%) after 5 days of treatment and stimulates the skin's exfoliation capacity on the calves (+16%) after 7 days of treatment
