Frequently Asked Questions about Nicomenthyl

Efficacy and Safety Tests

None. In Europe, since 2009, commercialization of cosmetic products containing ingredients tested on animals is illegal, according to Regulation (EC)  n.1223/2009 of 30 November 2009.

The founders of Multichem R&D have a strong stand point against animal testing and therefore Nicomenthyl 20 has never been and will never be tested on animals. All testing regulations and requirements by European jurisdiction have been met to ensure Nicomenthyl 20 complete safety and efficacy.

The following assessment tests were conducted on Nicomenthyl 20: in vitro cutaneous irritation testing on 3D reconstructed human epidermis (according to OCED 439); in vitro model testing to predict skin sensitization through assessment of the stimulating potential of the investigated substance on the immune cellular response mediated by monocyte/macrophage cells; in vitro test method for the prediction of the vaginal tolerability on reconstructed epithelium by means of the viability assessment of reconstructed tissues after single product application; in vitro assessment of the ocular irritancy potential through cytotoxicity assay Neutral Red Uptake on cell culture and in vitro Het Cam testing on fertilized chicken eggs. All tests have confirmed the absence of irritative and/or sensitizing effects on skin and eyes.
However, adopting a precautionary approach to minimize risk of eye irritation, even though in vitro tests on ocular irritancy have all given negative results, this substance has been classified as Eye Irritant 2 according to Regulation 1272/2008/EC (CLP).

No. The mild temporary redness that may be observed in some subjects after the application of a cosmetic product containing Nicomenthyl 20 is due to the beneficial activation of the skin microcirculation in the concerned area. Any possible light reddening occurring in sensitive skin will considerably lessen or completely disappear in less than one hour.

No. As proven by validated in vitro testing, Nicomenthyl 20 is not sensitizing.

No. As demonstrated by validated in vitro testing, Nicomenthyl 20 is not irritant for the eyes. However, for the precautionary principle (cfr. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precautionary_principle) , it is classified as Eye Irritant 2 H319 (causes serious eye irritation) according to Regulation 1272/2008/EC (CLP).

Certainly. Recent tests sponsored by Multichem R&D  have demonstrated a very high effectiveness of Nicomenthyl 20 in maintaining and protecting the vitality of skin cells when exposed to all types of sun radiations.

Nicomenthyl 20 is not a sunscreen (i.e. does not absorb or reflect some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation) and therefore does not have a sun protection factor.
Its protection against UVA and UVB rays is of purely biochemical and biological nature, i.e. due to its release of Vitamin B3 into the skin. Vitamin B3 is currently considered more effective than sunscreens in protecting against skin cancer caused by excessive exposure to sun rays. (RF: Niacin The Real Story by Abram Hoffer, MD., Ph.D – Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D, and Harold D. Foster, Ph.D. Publisher Basic Health Publications INC)

Certainly. A recent antioxidizing activity assessment has shown that Nicomenthyl 20, when cells were exposed to synthetic smoke, was able to provide full protection and reduce basal lipoperoxide content in skin cell cultures.

Recent tests sponsored by Multichem R&D have evidenced that Nicomenthyl 20 fully protects from oxidant agents by increasing skin cells metabolism and thus their capacity to bring back protein synthesis to basal levels or even better.

Yes, it can. A recent study has proven that Nicomenthyl 20, when urban particulate matter was used as a stress agent, exerts a marked detoxifying effect, bringing cell viability biochemical parameters back to basal levels or even better.