Who empowers skin endurance ? forzango™ biofunctional
From sporty lifestyles to active skin: a new take on skin endurance
Something is changing in the relationship between sport, health and beauty. Exercise is no longer viewed simply as a way to stay fit: it is increasingly recognized as a contributor to healthy aging. A recent Harvard-led study of more than 147,000 people, followed for up to 30 years, found that 90 to 120 minutes of resistance training per week was associated with a 13% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Beyond longevity, research also highlights links between physical activity and mitochondrial quality control, metabolism, immunity and brain health.
This science is reshaping the beauty equation. Health, performance and beauty are increasingly interconnected. L’Oréal Groupe has explored training and self-care through its Meeting the Moment documentary, while Biotherm’s partnership with HYROX brings its “Skin Fitness” approach into active lifestyles. For younger consumers, radiant skin is increasingly associated with healthy routines combining sleep, nutrition, hydration, stress management and exercise. Looking well and functioning well are converging.
Against this backdrop, Ashland introduces forzango™ biofunctional, a natural-origin condurango bark extract built around a new proposition: skin endurance. The objective is not simply recovery after exercise, but supporting skin’s ability to remain functional, strong and comfortable through an active, sporty and urban life.
Training the skin’s own resilience
Forzango™ biofunctional acts across four complementary dimensions, as demonstrated by ex vivo testing: cellular clean-up, mitochondrial function, skin fortification and comfort.
At 1%, ex vivo testing showed a 25% increase in the toxin-sensing receptor TAS2R38 and increases in autophagy markers LC3 (+28%) and LAMP2 (+16%), supporting skin self-detox mechanisms.
Illustration: Forzango™ helps the skin self-detox by increasing macroautophagy (LC3) (ex vivo test with forzango™ biofunctional at 1% vs placebo; LC3 immunostaining and quantification in red)
The ingredient also targets the mitochondrial respirasome. Under toxic stress, forzango™ increased complex IV expression by 36% ex vivo. This mitochondrial complex plays a key role in transforming oxygen into cellular energy, connecting skin endurance with mitochondrial functionality under challenging conditions.
Illustration: forzango™ empowers the skin respirasome by activating mitochondrial complex IV under toxic stress (COX IV) (ex vivo test with forzango™ biofunctional at 1% vs placebo; COX IV immunostaining and quantification in green)
Forzango™ also increased chemerin, an antimicrobial peptide, by 25%, and involucrin, a barrier structural protein, by 23% ex vivo. In a model of nervous stress, it reduced IL-6 receptor β expression, supporting skin comfort and resilience.
Illustration: Forzango™ levels-up skin’s comfort by improving skin resilience under nervous stress (IL-6Rβ) (ex vivo test with forzango™ biofunctional at 1% vs placebo; IL-6Rβ (IL-6 receptor) immunostaining and quantification in green )
From biological mechanisms to visible benefits
In a six-week study on a mixed panel of 30 men and women aged 32 to 60, a formulation containing 1% forzango™ improved barrier function, with reduced transepidermal water loss measurable after three weeks. After six weeks, 60% of volunteers showed improved cheek rosiness, while a capsaicin challenge showed a 21% reduction in stinging sensation. Fine lines and skin roughness also improved, and 80% reported more comfortable skin.
Illustration: visible improvement of wrinkle appearance (DermaTOP assessment, clinical study with forzango™ biofunctional applied on the face at 1% vs placebo on 30 volunteers (12 men & 18 women) during 6 weeks)
Endurance from plant to skin
Forzango™ originates from Marsdenia condurango, a vigorous Andean vine growing at 1,400 to 2,100 meters. Traditionally wild-harvested, condurango is now cultivated through a dedicated program in Colombia designed to reduce pressure on wild resources and build a traceable supply chain. Ten local farmers participate through multi-year agreements, with technical support and cultivation following organic-farming principles. The sourcing program is ABS-compliant.
Extracted using supercritical CO₂, forzango™ is 100% natural origin according to ISO 16128, COSMOS-approved, readily biodegradable, vegan suitable and preservative-free. Oil-soluble and recommended at 1%, it can inspire daily skincare as well as pre-workout and recovery concepts.
With forzango™, Ashland brings endurance into skincare: not simply helping skin recover from a demanding lifestyle, but supporting its biological capacity to keep going.
Illustration: condurango plantation in « La Valle del Cauca » in Colombia
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