Quick Facts:

Normal water content of the stratum corneum (SC): 30%

When the moisture content decreases, the skin breaks down filaggrin into free amino acids. This step helps restore moisture to the skin but decreases its effectiveness as a barrier.

When the SC moisture content is low, cells are shed more slowly, leading to dry, rough, scaly skin.

Intercellular lipids in the SC prevent water and natural moisturizing factors from leaching out.

Natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) are free amino acids and other physiological chemicals that attract and hold water to keep the skin moist and pliable.

Cholesterol is a vital component of the SC. It is primarily synthesized from acetate in cells; very little dietary cholestorol is found in the SC.

While humectants are designed to add moisture, this moisture is pulled from deeper layers of skin, not usually from moisture in the air or from water in a topical moisturizer..

Causes of Dryness in the SC:

-Age. After age 40, there is a sharp decrease in the levels of intercellular lipids.

-Low Ambient Humidity. More filaggrin is broken down in dry weather, leading to a loss of barrier strength.

-Solvents, detergents, soap/water, alchohol-based hand rubs. Chemical and mechanical action removes intercellular lipids and NMFs. Solvents (e.g., alcohol) also denature proteins in the SC, causing a loss of resiliency.

-Repeated water exposure. Water-soluble NMFs and some lipids are lost when skin is exposed to water for a long period. Water also changes the skin environment and disrupts the normal skin flora, increasing chances of infection.

All products in the LiquiCleanse® family utilize a patented, water-free liquid formulation. In a triumph of responsible chemical engineering, Cymbion has eliminated the need for water in several common topical applications. In so doing, the resulting products have similar or improved efficacy over traditional, water-based products without the use of carbomers, surfactants, parabens, or a host of sensitizing ingredients that leave skin irritated, sticky, and dry. As an added benefit, the LiquiCleanse® family of products is concentrated, delivering a smaller effective dose than the competitors.

What does Feel the Clean® mean to end-users?

• All germ-killing products contain CDC-recommended antiseptic agents
• Skin feels clean and refreshed
• Unique, nutrient-rich moisturizing complex absorbs quickly
• Products dry quickly, regardless of ambient humidity or temperature variations
• Formulations are safe for sensitive skin-- free of dyes and fragrance, non-allergenic
• Bio-based, renewable ingredients are used whenever possible
• Concentrated formulas reduce environmental waste

Feel the Clean® is a promise to keep things simple.