Givaudan Active Beauty has launched Silybidiol (INCI: Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract), reportedly the first globally compliant alternative to cannabidiol (CBD). Of 100% natural origin ISO 16128 and vegan suitable, it is derived from milk thistle fruit using green fractionation (read more below).
See related: Givaudan Introduces House of Naturals to Develop Exclusive Ingredients
The product is designed to combat the harmful effects of urban photopollution — specifically, what the company refers to as OxInflammation (the cycle connecting oxidation and inflammation). These factors can have a damaging cumulative effect on skin health and emotional balance.
Per Givaudan, Silybidiol binds to cannabinoid receptors in skin and activates cellular cross-talk. This leads to the activation of skin defenses and detoxification pathways to prevent OxInflammation and promote wellness.
Clinically Tested Skin Benefits
The ingredient was clinically tested versus a placebo and CBD on volunteers exposed to photo-pollution. According to the company, results demonstrated:
- A drastic improvement in skin homogeneity (2.7x CBD);
- Enhanced skin radiance (1.6x CBD); and
- Improvement in volunteers’ well-being (equivalent to CBD).
Wellness Approach
Focused on prevention and self-care, Silybidiol can be positioned in products linking positive emotional well-being and skin condition, promoting skin health and longevity.
"We discovered that Silybidiol specifically activates CB2 cannabinoid receptors and delivers the same benefits as the hero CBD molecule," explains Romain Reynaud, R&D director for Givaudan.
"As such, not only does it reduce inflammation, which improves skin tone, it also stimulates the production of beta-endorphins, feel-good peptides that contribute to overall wellness. This dual-action mechanism underlines Silybidiol's efficacy in promoting healthy, radiant skin while supporting emotional well-being."
About Green Fractionation
As noted, the extract is derived from milk thistle fruit using green fractionation. Givaudan's Green Fractionation Center of Excellence extracts materials sustainably using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES). These green solvents are said to enable the extraction of an analyte from a sample according to its physical or chemical properties.
