Touchy Finger® Technology and cosmetic innovation for a smooth skin

The development of Touchy Finger® as an innovative technology has opened the door to a series of new advancements across many fields. When it comes to advanced cosmetic science, Touchy Finger® has meant a complete revolution in how parameters like skin smoothness can be measured.

The current era is one of unprecedented advancements, and cosmetic science is no exception. Today, a number of groundbreaking breakthroughs are taking place at the intersection of technological developments and science: from the use of plant endophytes through Triplobiome™ technology to the application of AI for ingredient testing. It’s precisely in this context where the importance of Touchy Finger® can be understood.

While the desire for smooth, healthy skin is practically universal, developments in understanding the role of the skin barrier are facilitating a new perspective on how to achieve it. Simply put, the skin barrier plays a fundamental role in protecting against external aggressors and maintaining hydration. On the other hand, a compromised skin barrier can lead to dryness, sensitivity and other skin concerns. 

In this context, Touchy Finger® helps validate perceptions related to smoothness in an objective way, a key development to endorse cosmetic claims. At the same time, it follows current consumer interests for sensorial experiences, while also going beyond the merely subjective nature of these by providing an objective measure.

Touchy Finger® Technology: a scientific touch of smoothness

Touchy Finger® is an innovative technological device developed by the Laboratory of Tribology and System Dynamics (LTDS) at the École Centrale de Lyon. The device can be understood as an augmented, connected human finger designed so that it’s able to objectively assess the softness of surfaces, including skin and hair.

While the device has implications for diverse industries, in the case of cosmetics it’s a bold step forward for providing objective measurements of skin and hair softness. An important feature considering skin smoothness must otherwise rely on subjective feedback. 

In order to do so, the patented technology at the École Centrale de Lyon’s LTDS laboratory uses sensors to record vibration and pressure forces, in a way imitating the bio-sensors present in human fingertips and capable of transmitting sensory information to the brain. In the case of Touchy Finger®, the device records these parameters, transforms them into numerical data and sends them to a tablet for real-time, objective analysis.

As such, Touchy Finger® provides data-driven results when assessing tactile sensations, going beyond the conventional methods, which relied on subjective evaluations by experts. By introducing an objective measurement approach to smoothness, it’s possible to assess the softness of skin and hair objectively, thus making Touchy Finger® an invaluable tool for cosmetic research and development.

This advancement was recognized by awards like the Jury’s Favorite prize at the 2021 Cosmetics Victories.

Ceramides: the building blocks of a strong skin barrier and smooth skin

When it comes to boosting skin smoothness, ceramides represent a key factor because of their crucial role in skin barrier function.

Ceramides are a family of lipids that are naturally present in the skin. In fact, ceramides constitute about 50% of the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer. Due to their unique composition and location, ceramides are fundamental in maintaining the skin’s barrier function against external agents like pollutants and toxins.

To understand this function, it’s possible to picture ceramides forming a protective layer between skin cells. This barrier prevents water loss and generates an effective shielding against external irritants. Consisting of a sphingoid base linked to a fatty acid via an amide bond, ceramides are able to create such a protective layer.

There are several types of ceramides and each presents distinct structures and functions.  Among the most important in preserving the barrier function are Ceramide NP (key for maintaining the skin’s barrier function), Ceramide NS (through contributing to the skin’s moisture retention and overall health), Ceramide AP and Ceramide AS, among others. Additionally, not all protective barriers are created equal: the abundance of each ceramide type can vary among individuals and is influenced by age, skin type, and environmental exposures. 

An adequate balance is essential for optimal skin health and barrier function. In fact, ceramide deficiencies can lead to various issues involved with a weakened skin barrier, including skin dryness, sensitivity, and other skin conditions.

This is the context where ceramide-based skincare treatments are recommended for individuals where support and restoration of the skin’s natural barrier is necessary.

Hydrafence™: a ceramide-boosting innovation for silky smooth skin

Hydrafence™ emerges as an up-cycling, natural active moisturizer that also enhances the skin barrier, providing deep hydration and improving skin health and smoothness.

The innovative mechanisms of Hydrafence™ mean the ingredient acts on three fronts, providing a “triple-defense” action:

• Stimulating the synthesis of ceramides in the epidermis to reinforce barrier function
• Improving epidermal cohesion for a smoother skin surface
• Reducing transepidermal water loss to maintain hydration

The result is long-lasting hydration power and a cumulative improvement in skin texture that has been proven by efficacy tests. In fact, innovative in vivo studies have involved using Touchy Finger® technology to demonstrate the effectiveness of this natural active ingredient in improving skin smoothness. 

The combination of successful formulations with Provital’s ingredient, it’s possible to access all the ingredients’ benefits, while also improving sensorial perceptions.

Such is the case of the Lasting Moisturize Sensi Milk formulation, which provides a milky texture with rapid absorption and non-greasy feel that represents a big step forward in what advanced hydration looks like today.

Created using rice by-products and sustainable sourced Lithothamnion calcareum algae, this ingredient is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and growing consumer concerns around the environmental impact of cosmetic ingredients.

The synergistic power of Touchy Finger® and ceramides

New cosmetic science testing protocols are emerging that, in combination with advanced ceramide-based innovation, are leading to a new era of skin hydration:

• Enhanced hydration by improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture and a deep understanding of endogenous ceramides and their key importance in hydration
• Improved skin barrier function, leading to stronger protection against environmental stressors and reduced sensitivity issues.
• Reduced skin inflammation, with potential benefits for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Improved skin texture, with a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In these quests, Touchy Finger® technology stands as a key ally to measure improvements objectively, thus enhancing brands’ capacities to provide scientific evidence around claims that involve “smoothness”.

Embracing a technological future of smoother, healthier skin

A healthy barrier function lies at the heart of overall skin health and appearance. Through skincare products that target barrier care, formulations containing Hydrafence™ stand out for prioritizing skin health and smoothness.

Get in touch with Provital for further information on how to incorporate Hydrafence™ into product formulations.