Ingredient spotlight: KINETIN from a compound group known as CYTOKININ

Image of a basket and skincare bottles at the front - ingredient spotlight kinetin

WHAT IS KINETIN?

Kinetin (also known as N6-Furfuryladenine) is part of a group of compounds Cytokinin. In plants, Kinetin promotes cell division and cellular growth.

Kinetin in skincare is a chemical analog for a plant-derived compound that promotes cell division and helps to repair facial photo-damaged skin. It is said to possess skin antiaging properties.

Kinetin a powerful antioxidant, especially when combined with a vitamin B called niacinamide.

It has been used in skincare and beauty products only from 1994.

WHAT IS CYTOKININ?

Cytokinin – a class of growth regulators in plants. Plant hormones that produce cell division, growth, and delay the aging of cells. Use as a more natural way to regenerate new skin cells without the dermabrasion and chemical peels.

WHY IS KINETIN BENEFICIAL FOR SKIN?

Kinetin classified as a low-risk cosmetic ingredient.

Products that contain kinetin can cause some skin irritation initially, but it’s usually less than what people experience with prescription-strength retinoids.

Most people can tolerate kinetin, even if they experience problems with topical retinoids or have sensitive skin.

It typically doesn’t cause allergies or clog pores.

It’s a good choice for people with sensitive skin and those who have tried retinoids and haven’t been to tolerate them because of skin irritation, redness, and peeling.

WHAT SKIN ISSUES ARE BEST TREATED WITH KINETIN?

Only small studies were done regarding anti-aging skin benefits of kinetin.

After using kinetin cream at 0.1% for three months period2, it has been shown to decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, better skin texture, clarity and has moisturizing effects1.

Whether or not it’s as effective as retinoids for treating aging skin is still unclear, although it appears to cause fewer side effects and is better tolerated.

Unlike prescription-strength retinoids, Kinetin is available without a prescription.

Kinetin was shown to:

  • fights free-radical, antioxidative activity in the skin
  • protect the skin barrier against UV damage
  • enhance the skin moisture
  • provide hydration effect to deeper layers of the skin
  • good for sensitive skin

Shop Kinetin Skincare Products

obaji kinetin rejuvenating serum

References:

1. Campos P, de C, de A, Gaspar L. Efficacy of cosmetic formulations containing the dispersion of liposome with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, alpha-lipoic acid, and kinetin. Photochem Photobiol. 2012;88(3):748-752. [PubMed]

2. Wanitphakdeedecha R, Meeprathom W, Manuskiatti W. Efficacy and safety of 0.1% kinetin cream in the treatment of photoaging skin. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2015;81(5):547. [PubMed]

3. Kinetin. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704094/N6-FURFURYLADENINE/#.W7CPrmgzZhE. Published in 2018. Accessed October 2018.

4. Novel Topical Cytokinin Improves Coarse Wrinkles and Skin Roughness Without Skin Irritation.

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