How Does Aquacurrent Science Work on Skin and Hair?
Submitted by Beauty Brains Blog
Mixed Vibe is mixed up: I have just stumbled upon Aquacurrentscience.com by P&G; I also did a quick research on aquaporins at wikipedia, but neither the website nor wikipedia reveal how easy it is for a product (Panthene, Olay, and Secret, for instance) to have any effect on aquaporins as to improve moisture in hair and skin claim. Can my favorite nerds (hope i’m not insulting anyone) give me a good explanation on the mechanics behind Aquacurrent science and how it affects aquaporins as to induce greater results when it comes to hydrating skin and hair?
The RIght Brain responds:
Actually, MV, we revel in our Nerdness, so certainly no insult there!
All about aquaporins
If you looked it up on Wikipedia, then you already know that aquaporins are proteins that selectively conduct water molecules in and out of the living cells. So what does this technology have to do with beauty products for skin and hair? Very little, as far as we can tell. Aquaporins transport water across membranes of living cells but the outer layers of skin (which are effected by moisturizers) and the cuticle layer of hair (which is effected by conditioners) are composed of dead cells that do not contain aquaporin channels. It seems like P&G recognizes this too because if you read their claims carefully you’ll notice they avoid any direct technical connection to aquaporins. What they actually say is that aquaporins “inspired” Aquacurrent Science.
P&G’s Aquacurrent Science
Take a look at exactly what they say about Aquacurrent science:
It’s a deep understanding of moisture movement to help replenish and enrich the healthy-looking beauty of your skin and hair. It’s understanding that there’s more to moisturizing than just ‘locking’ it in. Here’s your dictionary word for today: ‘Aquaporins.’ These are the skin’s natural gateways that let water flow into millions of thirsty cells. The discovery of Aquaporins and how they channel water has created a big buzz in the science world. It’s also inspired P&G beauty scientists to continue research into how moisture moves where it’s needed in skin and hair. Understanding how you can move moisture where your body needs it isn’t rocket science. It’s Aquacurrent Science.
Do you see what we mean? They never say “our products affect the way aquaporins work.” Here’s a closer look at what they say in each of their Aquacurrent science brands:
Help control the movement of water in and out of your hair, and help prevent breakage.
Any good conditioner will do this, especially if it contains silicone which helps form a barrier that seals the hair shaft.
Skin-conditioning benefits inspired by Aquacurrent Science.
Key word: inspired.
Olay:
Olay Quench Deep Moisture Channel moisture deep into the skin’s surface with powerful Olay moisturizers.
“Deep into the skin’s surface” is the critical catchphrase here. The surface of skin doesn’t contain the kind of cells that contain aquaporins. So this is just another, albeit clever, moisturization story.
The Beauty Brains bottom line:
As you can see when you look carefully at the claims, P&G is not saying anything that can’t be supported with basic hair and skin care product technology. Aquacurrent science is a clever hook but it doesn’t appear to represent any breakthrough in beauty care involving aquaporins. Now it’s time for our standard disclaimer: if P&G has research showing that their Aquacurrent science technology works better than “regular” technology, we’ll be glad to write another post sharing that information with our Beauty Brains community.
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