PRESS RELEASE

Monheim, April 18, 2008

German version

Pilisoft™ LS 9760 – leaving sensitive skin feeling smoother for longer

Shaving and depilation are time-consuming procedures that have to be repeated on a regular basis – so it’s not surprising that consumers want solutions that are gentle, quicker to perform and leave skin smoother for longer. Pilisoft™ LS 9760 is a mild, preservative-free, plant-based active ingredient that enables manufacturers to offer precisely these benefits. It is manufactured by Laboratoires Sérobiologiques (LS), the active ingredient business of Cognis Care Chemicals.

Post-depilatory and aftershave products not only have to soothe the skin, but should also ensure it stays soft for longer. Pilisoft™ is an extract of the leaves of gymnema sylvestre that prolongs and enhances the effect of hair removal treatments. This botanical extract contains gymnemic acids, which play a major role in the inhibition process of hair follicles activity. They reduce hair vitality and slow down hair growth. The rate at which hair grows and the thickness of the hair are dependent on the activity of the hair follicles – Pilisoft™ inhibits this activity, meaning that the hair not only develops more slowly, but is also finer, making it easier to shave off or otherwise remove.

Clinically proven effects
A series of efficacy tests have demonstrated Pilisoft™ ’s ability to reduce keratinocyte proliferation and impair the mitotic activity of hair follicles. The main active constituent is the gymnemic acids, and in developing the product, LS set out to take advantage of their proven ability to inhibit phosphodiesterase activity. By so doing, they bring about an increase of the level of cAMP (cyclic Adenosin Mono Phosphate), resulting in the inhibition of hair growth.

This effect has been verified by a clinical study, which confirms that Pilisoft™ successfully prolongs and enhances the effects of hair removal treatments. Other trials have shown that over a one-month period, gels containing one percent Pilisoft™ are significantly more efficacious than placebo gels.

Comments Anne-Laurie Rodrigues, Strategic Marketing Manager Laboratoires Sérobiologiques: “Pilisoft™ was deliberately developed with a gentle action that makes it suitable for daily use. It can be used in a wide range of body care applications for women especially post-depilation, and in aftershave balms and lotions for men, enabling manufacturers to meet consumer demand for products that leave skin, even the most sensitive one, feeling smoother for longer.”

Overview of technical data: Pilisoft™ LS 9760

• INCI Name: water (and) pentylene glycol (and) gymnema sylvestre leaf extract
• Preservative: none
• Dose of use: 0.5–1%
• Aspect: opaque amber-colored liquid with a characteristic odor
• Solubility: soluble in water, insoluble in fats and oils

 

About Laboratoires Sérobiologiques
Laboratoires Sérobiologiques is Cognis Care Chemicals’ active ingredients business. It specializes in the development, manufacture and marketing of innovative cosmetic concepts and active ingredients.

About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 7,600 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, as well as agriculture and mining. The subsidiary Pulcra Chemicals offers specialized chemical products and process expertise to customers in the fiber, textile, and leather industries. Cognis also holds a 50-percent stake in the joint venture Cognis Oleochemicals, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of oleochemicals.

Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2007, Cognis recorded sales of 3.52 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (operating result) of 410 million euros.

Contact
Anne-Laurie Rodrigues, Strategic Marketing Manager Laboratoires Sérobiologiques
Division de Cognis France
Phone:     +33-1-144799517
Email:      anne-laurie.rodrigues@cognis.com
Internet:   www.laboratoires-serobiologiques.com

Viola Stahl, Communications Manager
Cognis GmbH
Phone:     +49-2173-4995-221
Email:      viola.stahl@cognis.com
Internet:   www.cognis.com