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SACRAN

SUIZENJI-NORI SACRAN / Algae

SACRAN™ is a macromolecular polysaccharide secreted by Suizenji Nori to protect its cells against severe environmental conditions in freshwater. Even when extracted from Suizenji Nori, SACRAN™ boasts outstanding moisture-retention, and skin barrier functions applicable in a wide range of skincare products.

Suizenji Nori (scientific name: Aphanothece sacrum) is a rare edible freshwater blue-green alga indigenous to Japan. In fact, Suizenji Nori grows naturally only in subterranean freshwater around Mount Aso on the island of Kyushu—more precisely, only in and around the Kogane River in Asakura City in south central Fukuoka Prefecture.

SACRAN means 'sacred’ and is regarded as a luxury foodstuff and was gifted to the shogun as an offering during the Edo era. Polysaccharides form a moisturizing veil on the skin.

Polysaccharides are basically little sponges that retain water, so they don’t dry out in water. This explains why, when used on skin, it keeps water from evaporating. Apart from sealing moisture, polysaccharides keep it pure and free from unnecessary bacterias.

Benefits: moisturizing, boosting skin cells regeneration, anti-inflammation

TSUBAKI

TSUBAKI / Camellia sinensis

Green tea with its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is an important part of the Japanese lifestyle.

This extract is derived from tea bush (Camellia sinensis) - an evergreen plant of the tea family. The leaves contain tannins (tannins), caffeine and its analogue - thein, as well as theophylline, theobromine, enzymes, essential oil, vitamins C, B, P, K, PP, aluminum salts, fluorine.

As a result of exposure of the skin to UV rays, both A and B type, a stream of electrons is formed, causing the formation of free radicals. Free radicals form processes in the skin similar to inflammatory ones. The consequences of this "chronic inflammation" lead to a change in the skin structure. Camellia leaf extract blocks the activity of various forms of free radicals. Thus, it prevents the appearance of such signs of ageing as wrinkles, age spots, the appearance of friability of the skin, a decrease in its tone and elasticity.

The unique properties of green tea are due to the high concentration of polyphenols, the activity of which is higher than that of vitamin E. Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, contribute to the penetration of biologically active substances into the skin.

Caffeine contained in the extract improves microcirculation, enhances skin nutrition and reduces swelling.

Tannins improve skin elasticity. Vitamin B2 has healing properties.

Benefits: antioxidant, redness relief, anti-inflammation

KOMENUKA

KOMENUKA / Rice ferment filtrate

Rice Ferment Filtrate (more commonly known as “Sake” is the liquid that comes from fermenting rice. It’s made by adding yeast to cooked rice and letting it sit for a while before filtering it out. After being filtered, the liquid contains an abundance of amino acids which are often found in collagen supplements or other skincare products. It also contains an abundance of antioxidants and vitamins which can help your skin look healthier and younger.

It is a well known fact that people engaged with Sake preparation were famous for their exceptionally soft hands. Geishas used to dilute Sake with water and apply it to their skin as a part of skincare ritual.

Sake boasts antioxidants, which protect the complexion against environmental stressors—such as UV exposure and pollution—and oxidative damage, which is known to speed up the signs of aging. It also boasts brightening properties: is rich in enzymes that can gently exfoliate the outer layers of skin. Also, the fermentation process produces kojic acid, which can be used as a skin lightening ingredient for hyperpigmented skin conditions such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It works by blocking tyrosinase from forming, which then prevents melanin production. Sake is a powerful emollient, locking in moisture with its many amino acids. It may also control sweat production, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.

Benefits: antioxidant, protection from city impurities, skin elasticity booster, skin texture improvement, anti-inflammation, boosting skin radiance, boosting skin cells regeneration

SOLUBLE COLLAGEN

SOLUBLE COLLAGEN

Soluble, unique in degree of purification, collagen has a similar amino acid composition with human skin collagen.

By enhancing water retention of the skin, it improves skin texture. All layers of the skin become more “plumped”, and, as a result, the skin becomes smoother, the number and depth of wrinkles decreases. Skin skeleton and protective functions improve.

Benefits: moisturizing & hydration, skin texture improvement, anti-inflammation

SAKURA

SAKURA / Prunus lannesiana flower

SAKURA is one of the symbols of Japan, it is associated with eternal youth and subtle beauty of Japanese women. SAKURA flower extract in Japan has been used for centuries to produce skincare products.

SAKURA flower petals are effective against glycation reaction known as Maillard reaction. This reaction occurs when glucose is combined with either proteins or lipids without the enzyme activity and accumulate AGE byproducts (Advanced Glycation End products). It is the glycation reaction that causes the collagen synthesis in the skin to not only decrease, but also to change with age. Coarse modified collagen begins to be synthesized, not being able to provide skin with a certain tone and elasticity.

Extracts obtained from SAKURA petals (Prunus lannesiana) have a clinically proven anti-glycation effect: suppression of AGE production and fibroblast apoptosis caused by AGE (programmed death of cells serving to build tissue), suppression of the melanin production process, maintaining a healthy skin texture.

In addition to the anti-glycation effect, this ingredient is also a powerful antioxidant, which means it is effective against UV radiation. It is a well-known fact that excessive insolation is dangerous for the skin, because the sun rays are a source of free radicals and act on the epidermis and dermis so that, as a result, the skin's elasticity decreases, skin tone becomes dull and yellow.

Thus, SAKURA petal extract is effective against premature skin ageing, both by suppressing the glycation process that occurs inside the body and by combating external factors such as UV radiation.

Benefits: antiglycation, collagen production stimulation, anti-inflammation, boosting skin cells regeneration, skin tone improvement

OTHERS

OTHERS

SODIUM HYALURONATE:

  • SODIUM HYALURONATE has a lower molecular weight than HYALURONIC ACID and has the ability to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, and also attracts and binds water
  • Anti-inflammatory and healing properties
  • Moisturize the skin and improves the appearance of wrinkles

VITAMIN C in form of Ascorbic Acid:

  • Promotes collagen production
  • Evens skin tone
  • Protects against free radical damage

VITAMIN E:

  • Repairs the skins natural barriers
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Healing of skin damage
  • Antioxidant properties

MEADOWFOAM SEED OIL:

  • Repairs the skins natural barriers. The best oil to help prevent moisture loss
  • As an antioxidant, meadowfoam protects your skin against cellular damage.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties

SQUALANE:

  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Moisturizes, soothes skin and prevents irritation
  • Softens texture.
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Controls sebum production
  • Anti-inflammatory

ARBUTIN:

  • Antioxidant properties
  • Evens skin tone
  • Improves skin texture

HYDROGENATED LECITHIN:

  • Enhances the appearance of dry or damaged skin
  • Soothes and moisturizes skin
ALGAE

Uteki Beauty Craft : Best Natural Ingredients mixed with the most Advanced Technology. Complex of 5 Japanese traditional nature-derived ingredients from the Earth, Sea and Rivers is the basis of each UTEKI product.

Freshwater ALGAE:

  • Helps replenish hydration, keeping moisture in skin
  • Anti-inflammation properties
  • Boosting skin cells regeneration

Aphanothece Sacrum ALGAE:

sacrum is a highly valuable plant that can only live in special regions in Japan.

UTEKI use the polysaccharide fraction isolated from Aphanothece sacrum. Polysaccharides are basically little sponges that retain water. This explains why, when used on skin, it keeps water from evaporating. Apart from sealing moisture, polysaccharides keep it pure and free from unnecessary bacteria. ALGAE has moisturizing, boosting skin cells regeneration and anti-inflammation properties.

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