The world’s first vegan product is also non-injectable
Staff Reporter
Auckland, July 7, 2022
A New Zealand skin cancer expert has developed what is stated to be the world’s first vegan, non-injectable wrinkle reduction serum.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Adjunct Professor and Queensland University Senior Lecturer in Skin Cancer Medicine Dr Sharad Paul has designed the product to meet the growing demand in the US$5 billion global dermal filler market, expected to rise to US$ 9 billion within the next seven years.
It is a natural alternative to injectable wrinkle fillers as well as one that can be tolerated by those with sensitive skin and pregnant women.
Dr Paul will star in an international Netflix documentary on the skin, which will be streamed across California, Africa and Korea. It has been directed by Emmy Award winner Nicholas Claxton.
Mr Claxton said that initial US sales have significantly exceeded their projections.
About the new serum
Trial data published in the Journal of Clinical & Cosmetic Dermatology, which used 3D imaging to measure changes in patient skin, showed that the new serum was able to reduce the depth of wrinkles by up to 22% after three weeks.
Dr Paul, who has also been featured as a world celebrity scientist in Time magazine, said that the development of the No-Tox technology in the serum represents over a decade of research and patient trials. His research into skin lines and understanding of how wrinkles develop at a molecular level led to the creation of a new product line for the cosmetic market.
“When we look below a new wrinkle at a microscopic level, we can see a process known as lymphangiogenesis underway, which is where a new lymphatic vessel is formed under the skin. You cannot have bad health and good skin. The rapid onset of wrinkles is a reflection of what is going on both externally, such as UV damage, and internally, which may include chronic illness or even emotional stress – manifesting on the skin as premature ageing,” he said.
Dr Paul said that talks are underway with national retail chains in the US to expand their bricks & mortar channel presence base with a new distribution deal secured for the North American MedSpa channel. The product will also be presented at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) in Las Vegas later this month.
“We know there is a significant niche looking for more natural alternatives to injectable fillers and the vegan cosmeceutical market also has significant potential for us. Our direct-to-consumer channel has sold over 1000 units of product within the first six weeks of going on sale in the US. This channel alone has put us on track to reach a seven-figure revenue within the first year and has meant we can bring forward our omnichannel expansion into other international export markets – including UK and Asia,” Dr Paul said.
The second clinical trial is underway which will compare the efficacy of prescription retinoids with No-Tox technology – marketed under the ‘Skin by Dr Sharad’ brand.
About the Book
In ‘Skin: A Biography,’ Dr Paul writes of skin’s relevance to evolution and its shaping of human history. He covers a vast array of topics including racial discrimination, slavery and the Indian obsession with being fair-skinned.
“The story goes back to flat and primaeval earth, where the Sun was dominant and seas shallow, and how, as time went by, skin changed, adapted, modified and tweaked itself. In the end, our body ended up getting what it asked for. Of all borders, none feels as fundamental as our skin. Bounded by skin, we have defined territories, portable countries, Skin makes us separate and sovereign,” he says.
About Dr Sharad Paul
Dr Paul has treated over 100,000 patients and is a world leader in all aspects of skin cancer treatment. Based in New Zealand, he has lectured widely on skin cancer medicine and surgical procedures. He is the author of popular bestsellers, ‘Skin, A Biography (4th Estate)’ and ‘The Genetics of Health’ (Simon and Schuster) and has a feature TED talk. He was awarded the New Zealand Medical Association’s highest honour, only awarded to one doctor across all specialities at any one time. He was also a finalist for the New Zealander of the Year Award.
