DEFENSIL®-PLUS* is a high tech natural compound and a slightly viscous, olive-green liquid formulated in gels and emulsions designed to protect and prevent the appearance of sensitive and irritated skin in need of regeneration. For this reason Defensil Plus is a unique principle ingredient in PHYTO5’s Yogi Body Gel.
According to RAHN, the maker of Defensil Plus, it is scientifically confirmed to be a soothing, anti-inflammatory used as first aid in sensitive skin. It protects and replenishes the damaged skin barrier, reduces allergic reactions, reduces tissue damage resulting from mosquito bites, soothes the skin after shaving and epilation, and helps alleviate atopic eczema.
One of Defensil Plus’ main components is black currant seed oil.
Skincare products infused with black currant oil benefit provide a protective and moisturizing boost to the skin.
Black currant (Ribes nigrum) has high contents of anthocyanins, major contributors to the antioxidant capacity of the oil. An excellent source of Vitamin C and phytochemicals, black currant oil’s antioxidant content helps protect skin from harmful free radicals caused by environmental insults.
Black currant is used in cosmetic products for its astringent and skin smoothening action as well as for its fragrancing and emollient properties. The oil of black currant is considered effective for enhancing skin’s ability to develop normal barrier functions resulting in improved water-retention and an overall increase in skin hydration. It also lends a protective effect on the corneum layer (outer layer of the skin). Black currant seed oil contains fatty, linoleic,** and linolenic*** acids, all enormously beneficial to skin. When applied to dried skin, Defensil Plus may increase the skin’s own content of these fatty acids.
Another major component of Defensil Plus is extract of balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum). Rich in antioxidants, it is also an anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic and anti-arthritic. Medical studies have confirmed that balloon vine extract is effective in treating eczema.
Extracts from balloon vine are added to creams and oils for treating eczema and dermatitis. The herbal extracts are even added to hair oil preparations to reduce dandruff and even to darken the hair. Powdered bark extracts of balloon vine are also internally administered to treat skin diseases, asthma, sore throat, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
Other unique ingredients found in Fire Yogi Body Gel but which are not components of Defensil Plus include: rosemary essential oil (circulation balancing), lavender essential oil (quickens healing; soothing to allergic dermatitis), ylang ylang essential oil (calming to skin), biosaccharides (moisturizing and soothing), aloe vera extract (pain and dermatitis soothing), apricot kernel oil (nourishing and hydrating) and menthyl lactate (cooling to skin).
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Endnotes:
* Made by the American company RAHN, a leading global supplier of high-quality specialties for the personal care and cosmetics industry; Defensil Plus is comprised of Octyldodecanol (and) Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil (and) Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables (and) Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract (and) Tocopherol (and) Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (and) Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
** A polyunsaturated essential Omega-6 fatty acid found mostly in plant oils. It is used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and cell membranes.
*** An essential fatty acid belonging to the omega-3 fatty acids group. It is highly concentrated in certain plant oils and has been reported to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin resulting in reduced inflammation and prevention of certain chronic diseases.
Lim, T. K. Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants: Vol. 4 Fruits. Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg. London, New York. 2012.
Michalun, M. Varinia and DiNardo, Joseph C. Milady Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. Cengage Learning. 2014.
Hari, Ven. Phytomedicine: Healing Herbs. Notion Press. 2020.
“Linolenic Acid.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Linolenic-acid.
“Linoleic Acid.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Linoleic-acid.
Brod, J. et al. Evolution of lipid composition in skin treated with blackcurrant seed oil. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 10.4, 149-159 (1988).