HYVIA™: A novel, topical chia seed extract that improves skin hydration.
Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an ancient crop that has experienced an agricultural resurgence in recent decades due to the high omega-3 (ω3) and omega-6 (ω6) fatty acid content of the seeds and good production potential. While chia has been widely studied as a functional food and reported to have several clinical benefits including cardioprotection, weight loss, and metabolic disorder improvement, very little has been published on its benefits when applied topically, despite the key functions ω3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) and ω6 linoleic acid (LA) (also referred to as Vitamin F) play in skin. To date, only one report has been published where a topical formulation of 4% chia seed oil extract was applied for 8 weeks and the authors concluded that chia was effective for pruritus, xerosis, and beneficial for skin hydration.
