Safety

Safety of A-Cosmetic Formulation

Safety is a major concern for Dr. Johnson as he pioneers the use of PCA for health benefits. He has learned that PCA is uniquely suited for many health benefits because of the following evidence-based factors related to safety.

70% isopropyl alcohol has anti-bacterial properties in addition to being a vehicle for PCA. Additional testing added propylene glycol as a humectant to attract water molecules from the air as well as moisture from the inner layers of the skin. The essential oil was added for aroma. In addition, these three substances also have skin penetration properties as well as anti-bacterial properties. They also are safe. The safety of each of the ingredients is outlined on the ingredients page.

PCA

The one ingredient in this formulation you may not be familiar with is protocatechuic acid (PCA).

Abundant In Nature: PCA is found throughout nature. It is designated as a phytochemical (plant chemical). It is the primary metabolite of the dyes that give color to plants, fruits, and vegetables. These dyes make blueberries blue and cherries red. The parent dyes are called anthocyanins and anthocyanidins. PCA is found in the deciduous tree leaves as they change color in the fall of the year and in pine needles.

Wu Y-P, Liang X, Liu X-Y, Gao H. Cedrus deodara pine needle as a potential source of natural antioxidants: Bioactive constituents and antioxidant activities. Journal of Functional Foods 14:605-612 · April 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.02.023

In the Daily Human Diet: PCA is found in many foods in the daily human diet. It is in grapes, onion skins, white wine, cherries, and blueberries to name a few. It, therefore, is considered in the category of a Food Supplement.

Produced Normally in the Human Large Bowel: Interestingly, PCA is produced normally in small amounts by the bacteria in the human large bowel.

Multiple Health Benefits: The nature of PCA is that is it has both anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. This very factor minimizes the chance of an adverse effect caused by the A-Cosmetic formulation.

Not a Drug: PCA is not a drug or a pharmaceutical. It is classified as nutraceutical because it is from a food product containing health-giving additives and having medicinal benefits.

US Patented: PCA has been granted a US patent as a broad-spectrum antibiotic with wound healing properties which not only requires abundant evidence of being novel but also supporting studies from in vitro laboratory and in vivo animal experiments by certified independent contract laboratories.

The US patent is 9,498,413 B2 Antimicrobials and methods of use thereof for wound healing. November 22, 2016.

FDA Ruling on Safety: PCA has been designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a flavoring substance.

http://www.ift.org/~/media/Food%20Technology/pdf/2009/06/0609feat_GRAS24text.pdf

See page 11 for its FEMA number 4430. PCA is chemically listed by its chemical designation; 3, 4 dihydroxybenzoic acid. Its formula is similar to aspirin, a benzoic acid.

Fang J. Bioavailability of anthocyanins. Drug Metab Rev, 2014; 46(4): 508–520

PCA Produced in Human Body: PCA is normally manufactured by the human colon’s bacteria flora.

Dacre JC, Williams RT. The role of the tissues and gut microorganisms in the metabolism of protocatechuic acid in the rat. Aromatic dehydroxylation. J Pharm Pharmacol 1968. 20:610–618.

Companion Studies on PCA: We presently have an application before the US Environmental Protection Agency for a spray-on hard surfaces. This application requires multiple independent contract laboratory studies concerning safety and toxicity. These studies have found the PCA formulation to be safe for skin, eyes, inhalation, etc. The formulation for the EPA has PCA and a vehicle similar to that used for A-Cosmetic.

Additional Safety Factors

The Vehicle: It is also necessary that PCA be placed in a carrier or vehicle for application. The vehicles in this formulation are considered safe.

The Route of Application; Caution: The intended route for skin health is a topical application. The solution should not be put in the eyes or mouth. It should not be swallowed. One should take care not put directly in one’s eyes. In fact, because of the alcohol content, if one wears reading glasses when applying to the face below, the reading glasses will capture the evaporating alcohol and may temporarily irritate one’s eyes. The solution should not be ingested.

The Time and Frequency of Application: It should be applied once a day, preferably at bedtime. This provides the topical PCA to remain in place until morning when it may be removed with the washing of the face.

The Concentration: The concentrations in these formulations are considered safe.

* No parabens and no sulfates.