Neuropeptides are small but powerful chains of amino acids that are transforming how we address the visible signs of ageing. These naturally occurring molecules, produced by nerve cells, regulate vital skin functions such as inflammation, cell proliferation, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis. They can also influence biological processes that support skin health while helping relax muscle contractions responsible for wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and deep forehead lines. When applied topically, neuropeptides penetrate the skin and target specific receptors involved in these processes.
Myoxinol™: A Neuropeptide Extracted From Hibiscus Seeds
At the forefront of this innovation is Dr. Francesca Ferri, our Scientific Director. With over 40 years of pioneering research in dermatology and skincare, Dr. Ferri has introduced Myoxinol™, a neuropeptide derived from Hibiscus Seeds. Featured in our Hibiscus Night Cream, Hibiscus Serum, and Prickly Pear Face Cream, Myoxinol™ targets wrinkles caused by facial muscle contractions, offering a non-invasive, natural way to smooth expression lines. Beyond muscle relaxation, Myoxinol™ also neutralises free radicals, providing antioxidant protection to combat oxidative stress and further reduce signs of ageing.
How Myoxinol™ Works
Muscle Relaxing Effect
In laboratory trials, Myoxinol™ has demonstrated its ability to effectively inhibit muscle cell contractions that contribute to wrinkle formation. Using a co-culture system of muscle cells and neurons, Myoxinol™ was shown to decrease muscle contractions for up to 24 hours, a duration longer than the standard muscle relaxant, Carisoprodol.
Expression lines, such as crow’s feet and laughter lines, are caused by repetitive facial muscle contractions over time. As the skin loses elasticity with age, these lines become more permanent. Unlike neurotoxins, which freeze muscle activity, Myoxinol™ provides a gentler, more natural solution. By targeting the receptors that trigger muscle contractions, Myoxinol™ allows for natural facial expressions while still reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Antioxidant Effect
In addition to its mechanical benefits, Myoxinol™ offers significant antioxidant protection. It helps neutralise free radicals that cause oxidative damage to skin cells, a key factor in the biological ageing process. By preventing this damage, Myoxinol™ protects the skin from the deep tissue degradation that leads to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity.
To assess the antioxidant properties, in-vitro tests were conducted measuring free radicals, including highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results showed that Myoxinol™ inhibited up to 100% of certain oxidative agents, significantly enhancing the skin’s natural defense system.
Anti-Wrinkle Effect
Myoxinol™ has been clinically tested on female volunteers aged 45 to 65 years old. When applied at 1% concentration twice a day for three weeks, the results showed a 22.5% reduction in wrinkle depth. Under the same conditions, the placebo cream demonstrated no visible improvement.
Our Myoxinol™ Collection
Our Myoxinol™ regime has been shown to deliver noticeable forehead wrinkle reduction that gets more and more noticeable the longer the regime is used*. This collection includes:
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Hibiscus Night Cream: Our multi-award-winning, best-selling night cream works while you sleep, delivering a youthful boost in just 10 days.
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Prickly Pear Face Cream: A plumping and hydrating daily moisturiser that visibly smooths wrinkles and restores elasticity.
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Hibiscus Serum: A powerful, lifting facial serum clinically proven to smooth deep wrinkles, including forehead lines.
*Independent clinical trials undertaken on 20 participants aged between 35-65.
