Polyphenol Complex (Resveratrol + Six-Year Aged Panax ginseng): Evidence for Improved Barrier Function & Reduced Oxidative Stress in Skin

A technical note from the OUMERE Lab

ABSTRACT

We evaluated an acid-free, polyphenol-forward system centered on high-purity trans-resveratrol and a six-year aged Panax ginseng extract (as used in Serum Bioluminelle) for effects related to barrier integrity and oxidative stress. In bench stability, ex vivo literature alignment, and in-house observational use, the complex supported lower visible erythema, smoother texture, and signs consistent with improved barrier (reduced dryness/tightness) without retinoid/acid-type irritation. This matters because chronic micro-irritation accelerates collagen loss via MMP induction and barrier erosion.

BACKGROUND

What it is.
OUMERE’s Serum Bioluminelle polyphenol complex pairs high-purity Swiss trans-resveratrol found in the Advancement and Advancement II with six-year aged Panax ginseng root extract in an acid-free emulsion/oil system designed to limit ROS formation and preserve barrier lipids.
Mainstream consensus.
Anti-aging routines often rely on daily acids/retinoids to force turnover. Short-term “glow” is common; long-term adherence is limited by irritation, pigment volatility, and barrier thinning in sensitized users.
Where that fails.
Many hydroxy-acid/retinoid formulas are:
• Chemically unstable (oxidize under light/air; activity drifts).
• Irritating (elevated stinging/erythema → user dropout).
• Pro-oxidative in use (certain vehicles + light/metal ions → ROS).
OUMERE’s position: sustained anti-aging depends on reducing inflammatory load, not increasing it.

METHODS (LAB / LITERATURE)

Approach.
1. In-house observations: repeated-use tolerance and visual skin condition tracking on internal panel (healthy adults; normal–sensitive).
2. Bench work: stress tests on actives/finished formula (light, heat, air exposure).
3. Literature synthesis: ex vivo/in vitro evidence for resveratrol and ginseng on MMPs, antioxidant response (Nrf2/HO-1), microcirculation, and barrier-related endpoints.
Conditions disclosed.
• Vehicle: biphasic emulsion-in-oil system (Bioluminelle) and anhydrous/low-water polyphenol solutions (Advancement I/II).
• Headspace & packaging: nitrogen-flushed, UV-shielding Italian glass.
• pH (water phase): 5.0–5.6 (skin-physiologic).
• Storage: room temperature; light-shielded.
• Actives: trans-resveratrol (high purity); six-year aged P. ginseng extract (root; polyphenol/ginsenoside-rich). (Exact % proprietary; within literature-supported ranges.)

RESULTS

Stability (bench).
• Trans-resveratrol retained color/clarity with minimal browning over accelerated light exposure relative to aqueous controls.
• Ginseng-containing water phase showed the intended deeper amber hue without precipitation when pH held at 5.0–5.6.
• Nitrogen headspace + UV-shielding reduced observable oxidation vs. atmospheric/light-exposed controls.
Tolerability (in-house use).
• Low sting index on application; no retinoid-type flaking reported.
• Users with prior acid sensitivity reported reduced tightness within 7–10 days.
• Make-up lay and texture subjectively improved (less micro-scaling).
Visible skin condition (observational).
• Reduced morning redness in cheek/perinasal areas after overnight use.
• Perceived hydration and surface smoothness improved without occlusive film feel.
• No rebound oiliness typical of over-stripped routines.

Figure 1. Accelerated light exposure of resveratrol solutions: nitrogen-flushed, UV-shielded vials show less chromatic shift than air-exposed, clear-glass controls over 14 days.
Figure 2. Water-phase absorbance profile with six-year aged ginseng indicates stable polyphenol signature at pH 5.3.

DISCUSSION

Why it matters long-term.
Chronic irritation elevates cytokines and upregulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1/-3), degrading collagen/I elastin; barrier compromise increases TEWL, amplifying inflammation. Polyphenols (resveratrol; ginsenosides) counter ROS and can modulate inflammatory signaling—mechanistically aligned with preserving ECM and barrier.
Where common products go wrong.
• Instability: acids/retinoids and poorly stabilized antioxidants oxidize; users chase potency with overuse.
• Vehicle mismatch: water-heavy, metal-ion contaminated, or non-shielded packaging promotes ROS.
• Irritation loop: daily exfoliation → micro-damage → dullness → more exfoliation.
Why OUMERE’s approach avoids failure modes.
• Acid-free baseline reduces inflammatory load.
• Antioxidant-centric (resveratrol + aged ginseng) targets upstream oxidative stress.
• Physiologic pH + inert packaging limit active drift and light/air degradation.
• Lipid respect: vehicles complement barrier lipids instead of stripping them.

LIMITATIONS

No randomized, vehicle-controlled human RCT reported here.
Biomarkers (e.g., MMP-1 in tape strips, TEWL by open-chamber evaporimetry, colorimetry a* for erythema) not included in this note; planned next.
Panel size limited; outcomes are observational and aligned with literature, not definitive clinical endpoints.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Who benefits.
• Sensitive, redness-prone, or chronically over-exfoliated skin.
• Users seeking anti-aging without barrier compromise.
• Post-procedural maintenance once re-epithelialized (per clinician guidance).
How to use.
• AM: Cleanse gently → Bioluminelle (light layer) → mineral SPF.
• PM: Cleanse → Advancement I/II (alternate or layer thin) → Bioluminelle to seal.
• Introduce 3–4x/week for sensitive types; build to daily as tolerated.
What to avoid.
• Concurrent daily strong acids/retinoids (undermines the low-inflammation strategy).
• Clear glass, dropper-left-open habits; re-cap immediately.
• Layering with metal-ion-rich mists/toners that can catalyze oxidation.