Specs & MSDS

GRANT-X

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

FACT: GRANT-X was clinically proven in a cosmetic cream, to gently improve the appearance of facial fine line and wrinkles by over 50% in all 15 panelists tested after just one ten minute application!

Our unique formula combines the elegance and filling properties of our proprietary silicone elastomer technology, with a synergistic array of actives to:

Relax the skin by reversible inactivation of nerve electric signal transmission by ion channels (a different mechanism than BOTOX^®*)
Optimize optical diffusion and viscosity of silicone gel and organic film-formers for extended coverage
Provide soothing biotransformed botanical extracts for a more youthful appearance
Light diffusing particle action to hide and soften wrinkles

INCI Name:
Cyclopentasiloxane (and) water (and) polysilicone-11 (and) aminobutyric acid (and) barium sulfate (and) panax ginseng extract (and) portulaca oleracea extract (and) centella asiatica extract

Recommended use level of GRANT-X to provide the maximum benefit: 35%

Brief overview of relaxing skin muscles

Electrical signals in the nerve cell require an "imbalance" of ions (like potassium and sodium) into order to reach an "action potential" and stimulate muscles to contract and wrinkle skin. Cell membranes have a number of "channels" that control the flow of ions and generate the "action potential". The flow of ions and therefore the transfer of this "action-potential" across cell boundaries and synapses can be inhibited by many different molecules. Nerve toxins, for example, prevent the nerve from signaling the muscle to contact by severely impairing one or more of these essential mechanisms. GRANT-X is designed to gently target some of these mechanisms with naturally occurring ingredients and extracts.

Electrical impulses race down the axon into the terminal and across the synapse into the muscle (blue area). Acetyl Choline (red areas) acts as the chemical switch in transferring the electrical "message". The muscle is relaxed and wrinkle formation is prevented if the electrical signal transmission from the nerve to muscle is inhibited.

Acetyl Choline Switch - The BOTOX^® Mechanism
BOTOX^® cosmetic is injected directly into the muscles, where it enters the nerve endings to block the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that causes muscles to contract. Once the muscles are at rest, the skin becomes smoother, creating a more natural and relaxed appearance. Repeated injections are required because the activity slowly returns. It is a drug and subject to prescription use under licensed medical application.

Accordingly, GRANT-X does not contain BOTOX^®.

However, the acetyl choline switch is not the only way to inhibit neurotransmission.

Blocking sodium currents/channels
The firing of an action potential by an axon is accomplished through sodium channels on the muscle cell membrane (for muscle contraction and wrinkling).

Each sodium channel dynamically exists in 3 states, which are as follows:

A resting state during which the channel allows passage of sodium into the cell
An active state in which the channel allows increased influx of sodium into the cell
An inactive state in which the channel does not allow passage of sodium into the cell

During an action potential, these channels exist in the active state and allow influx of sodium ions. Once the activation or stimulus is terminated, a percentage of these sodium channels become inactive for a period of time known as the refractory period. With constant stimulus or rapid firing, many of these channels exist in the inactive state, rendering the axon incapable of propagating the action potential.

Calcium channels
Calcium channels are small and are inactivated quickly. The influx of calcium currents in the resting state produces a partial depolarization of the membrane, facilitating the development of an action potential after rapid depolarization of the cell.

Calcium is a universal presynaptic element. The nerve terminal contains a voltage-sensitive calcium channel that opens in response to depolarization, allowing calcium to rush in.

GABA-A receptors
When an ingredient binds to a GABA-A receptor, the passage of chloride, a negatively charged ion, into the cell is facilitated via chloride channels. This influx of chloride increases the negativity of the cell (i.e., a more negative resting membrane potential). Increased accumulation of an ingredient at the postsynaptic receptors causes the cell to have greater difficulty reaching the action potential (firing). Topical application of actives may increase the inhibition of electrical signals and temporarily relax the skin.

GRANT-X includes active ingredients that reversibly interact with all mechanisms highlighted above, except the acetylcholine switch related to BOTOX^®.

Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA)

Is a known inhibitory neurotransmitter. Action potentials are triggered by a threshold level of depolarization
Causes the opening of chemically regulated gated channels for Cl- and hyperpolarization (inhibitory postsynaptic potential)
The final effect is relaxation of the nerve.

Portulaca (Purslane) Extract

Possesses unique skeletal muscle relaxant properties which do not appear to involve interference with acetyl choline mechanisms
Extract may involve interference with Ca²⁺ mobilization in skeletal muscle or inhibition of the release of calcium from stores in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Ginseng Extract

Ginseng saponins, major active ingredients of ginseng root, produce multiple pharmacological responses, including reversible blocking of Na⁺ channels
Ginseng is considered an adaptogenic herb which helps the body adapt to stresses of various kinds.

Centella Extract

Centella extract is considered "anti-aging" because it stimulates collagen synthesis, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and helps clear under eye shadows.

Please write or call for more information, samples and formula suggestions

*BOTOX^® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.

Formulas Demonstrating This Product

GRANT-X Cream - Instant wrinkle reduction cream that combines GABA, botanicals and soft focus technology in a repeat sales approved formula.