Ilumina C is known for being smooth, velvety, fast absorbing and Illuminating thanks to the high Linoleic Acid of the first three oils on the INCI list - maracuya (passion fruit), tomato, and tuna (prickly pear) seed oil.
What is Linoleic Acid?
Linoleic Acid, also known as Vitamin F or Omega-6 essential fatty acid, is found in botanical oils such as maracuya, tomato, prickly pear, and grapeseed oils.
This essential fatty acid (EFA) is essential as our body cannot make it which requires supplementation.
The Benefits of Linoleic Acid
The top layer of our skin,stratum corneum, is mostly composed of dead skin cells that act like a glue - holding everything together.
Linoleic Acid, provides moisture and “plumpness” as it helps produce ceramides that support the top layer of our skin while targeting sun induced hyperpigmentation.
Linoleic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin
Fun fact: Oily and acne prone skin have reported to have lower levels of linoleic acid which is an essential fatty acid and essential component in the ceramides that strengthen the skin barrier.
Oily skin usually has an overabundance of Oleic Acid (non-essential) Omega-9 fatty acid that also functions to lock in hydration but can cause congested pores that result in breakouts. When this happens, it's helpful to have Selva Detox on hand to use 3-4 times a week to decongest pores.
Linoleic Acid is light weight, penetrates immediately, and is the #1 fatty acid for oily and/or acne-prone skin.
Downside of Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is a little tricky as it has double bonds (=) that are reactive to oxygen which leads to oxidation/rancidity...which leads to inflammation.
Example: Double bonds → Reactive to oxygen → Causes oxidation/rancidity → inflammation. 👎
How does this formula give you all the benefits of LA (linoleic acid) without oxidizing at an accelerated rate?
Let me explain...
Every component (including packaging) work together to conserve the nutrients and extend stability of Ilumina C using the following:
- Highly Stable Botanical Oils
- Natural Perservatives
- Violet Glass Packaging
1. Highly Stable Botanical Oils
Tomato Seed Oil
Besides having large amounts of phytonutrients such as carotenoids, antioxidants, and minerals. The provitamin A activity from the carotenoids allows tomato seed oil to have a shelf life of up to 3 years.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Sourced from the iconic Mexican nopal/cactus known for having highest amount of vitamin E than any other botanical oil, which naturally preserves this oil and has a shelf life of up to 2 years.
2. Natural Preservatives (Potent Antioxidants)
Vitamin E
An important fat-soluble antioxidant that functions as preservatives for anhydrous (water free) formulas to decrease rancidity.
According to Eberlein-Konig & Fuchs, "Multiple studies have found that the combination of vitamin C and vitamin E protects the skin against UV damage...The combination of the two vitamins was associated with lower amounts of DNA damage after UV exposure."
Rosemary CO2 Extract
Rosemary CO2 extract is essentially one of the most potent and effective antioxidants that works to slow down the natural oxidation process in plant matter and therefore extending stability and potency of Ilumina C oil serum.
De Gruyter states, "Of the natural antioxidants, Rosemary has consistently shown some of the highest activity. This has been attributed to two phenolic diterpenes – carnosol and carnosic acid – but the presence of α-pinene, bornyl acetate, camphor and 1,8-cineole amplify the effects of their preservative qualities."
Note: Depending on the potency of the batch, rosemary extract may add a touch of an herbal/pungent scent to the formula but is necessary to extend potency.
3. Violet Glass Packaging:
Miron
We only incorporate premium, high performance, and cold pressed oils in lieu of refined oils in our formulas, however, it was essential to only use dark bottles that work together with our ingredients to protect the phytonutrients that refined oils lack.
After several stability tests, we found that Miron bottles prolonged the stability of our unique formulas as they are made from the best quality violet glass.
Per their website,
"MIRON’s violet glass is biophotonic glass packaging. Its unique properties filter light to both protect and revitalize natural products, drastically extending their shelf life."
Read more about the quality of our bottles here.
To experience first-hand the benefits of Linoleic Acid, Ilumina C is packed with Peruvian passion fruit, prickly pear from the depths of the Mexican desert, colorful pomegranate and tomato to balance & nourish your skin with our favorite essential fatty acid.
*If you're wondering how effective linoleic rich Ilumina C is, here is a before and after using the Radiante Ritual - nutrient dense skincare does work!
Sources
Caldera, Gabriela & Figueroa, Yalitza & Vargas, Maritza & Santos, Diego & Marquina-Chidsey, Germania. (2012). Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Antioxidant Compounds from Venezuelan Rosemary Leaves. International Journal of Food Engineering. 8. 10.1515/1556-3758.1953.
Eberlein-Konig B, Placzek M, Przybilla B. Protective effect against sunburn of combined systemic ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;38(1):45-48. (PubMed)
Fuchs J, Kern H. Modulation of UV-light-induced skin inflammation by D-alpha-tocopherol and L-ascorbic acid: a clinical study using solar simulated radiation. Free Radic Biol Med. 1998;25(9):1006-1012. (PubMed)