Pepha®-Protect
CAS: 90244-99-8, 56-81-5, 7732-18-5, 532-32-1,
590-00-1, 122-99-6

Pepha™-Protect is a highly purified Watermelon extract with the ability to protect the DNA in skin cells from damage caused by UV-light induced free radicals.

Pepha®-Protect is a skin protective active containing naturally occurring vitamins, carbohydrates and amino acids such as Citrulline. Under extreme conditions Watermelon plants develop their own defense system by producing Compatible Solutes. These are water soluble molecules, for example amino acids, which penetrate easily into the skin. Compatible Solutes also can naturally occur in the human body. Pepha®-Protect's synergistic composition is very strong in protecting the DNA of the skin's fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Pepha®-Protect is a highly concentrated aqueous solution manufactured according to GMP standards.

The skin is increasingly exposed to free radicals. This can be partly explained by the decrease of the protective ozone layer and increased pollution due to our modern lifestyle. As a consequence, damage to the DNA, which can be irreversible, causes the appearance of mutations. The natural regeneration of the cells is reduced due to stress, aging and increasing amount levels of free radicals. Pepha®-Protect increases the natural defense system of the skin due to the synergistic acting effect of the vitamins, carbohydrates and Citrulline.

Compatible Solutes are able to protect important cell structures such as the DNA from destruction. Such compounds occur in organisms which survive under extreme conditions such as high salt concentration, heat or drought. Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) grows in the Kalahari Desert and exhibits high drought tolerances. Exposed to such stress the Melon produces its own defense system which Pentapharm then uses for Pepha®-Protect. In the Kalahari Desert, Watermelon is still used as a very important water source. The melon used for Pepha®-Protect is a cultivated plant growing under the same conditions as the wild one. Consequently Pentapharm Ltd's highly purified Watermelon extract nourishes the skin by its natural water binding habit.

Pepha®-Protect is a preventative ingredient of choice to protect the skin against the breakdown of the DNA caused by UV-light and pollution.

Incorporation: Pepha®-Protect can be processed either warm (max. 60°C/160°F) or cold, and is incorporated into the aqueous phase of a cosmetic formulation. It is stable over the pH-range of 3 to 6. In formulations, Pepha®-Protect is compatible with ethanol at concentrations of up to 50%.

Recommended Usage Rate: 1-3%
Appearance: Clear, yellowish liquid
Preservative: Phenonyethanol 0.95%, Sodium Benzoate 0.3%, Potassium Sorbate 0.14%
Storage: Should be stored in the original sealed containers protected from light in a clean place at a temperature between 2 and 8°C (35° - 46°F). In order to avoid secondary microbial contamination, following opening, containers should be handled with special care. If stored under the recommended conditions, Pepha®-Protect remains stable for at least 3 years.

INCI: Water (and) Glycerin (and) Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract

This product should be added to a formulation at the recommended usage rate.

Disclaimer
Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional skin care provider.