How Avon’s biomarker research is driving skincare innovation

By Jola Idkowiak-Baldys, Research Fellow, Avon Innovation Centre

CBD – or cannabidiol – is a trending skincare ingredient, and everyone wants to know more about it. Here at the Avon Innovation Centre we’ve been researching CBD for several years and have recently made a ground-breaking discovery which is set to drive our own innovation and product development and influence the entire skincare industry moving forward.

Our recent studies have proved that CBD can boost a specific biomarker in skin – a biomarker which usually decreases as skin ages. This is really exciting because we believe it’s the first time anyone has shown how CBD works to reduce signs of aging (patent pending).  Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties are well known, and its anti-ageing benefits have been suggested, but Avon’s discovery as to how CBD works to reduce signs of aging increases the potential of this ingredient exponentially.

For those who don’t know, a biomarker is a biological characteristic that can be measured.  As an example, a doctor may use the biomarker cholesterol or vitamin D to asses your current state of health.  Our studies have discovered that levels of certain skin-related biomarkers: heat shock proteins (HSPs), can be boosted by applying CBD topically. This is the first step to bridging the missing link between CBD and its visible skincare efficacy. It’s big news.

We’ve been researching biomarkers for a long time because not only are they fascinating for scientists, but they also allow us to assess the efficacy of our products.  We’ve perfected a non-invasive and gentle way to collect skin cells that allows us to conduct the necessary analysis in our state-of-the-art labs.  Using that technique, we will continue our research and try to expand our knowledge of the unique biomarkers that can be correlated with different skin conditions.  For example, we would like to identify biomarkers specific to acne, skin redness or very dry and sensitive skin. Understanding how products and ingredients work is critical for developing the most effective topical treatments.

Avon’s innovation philosophy is all about democratising world-class beauty, bringing results through the very best ingredients and scientific knowledge to our customers everywhere.  That’s why I’m proud to be a scientist for Avon.  I’m doing real fascinating science, that has a real impact on people’s lives. Whether that’s making customers feel great about their beauty regime or helping Representatives be financially independent by giving them something new, exciting and efficacious to offer their customers.