Ingredients AND Evidence

What’s Ozonated Functional Complex (OFC)

Ozonated Functional Complex (OFC) isa functional complex created through our proprietary ozonation technology.

Designed with a focus on affinity with the stratum corneum and oxygen signaling, OFC takes a multifaceted approach to multiple skin parameters associated with hydration,barrier function, and skin irritation.

It does more than simply retain moisture like hyaluronic acid, and more than merely replenish barrier components like ceramides.

OFC is a next-generation active ingredient for barrier care,designed to support the skin’s intrinsic ability to retain moisture and protect itself from external environmental stressors.

Mechanism of Action

Awakening the Skin Through Oxygen Signaling

OFC awakens three key functions of the skin.

① Barrier Regeneration
Restoration of barrier components such as ceramides
② Cellular Renewal
Activation of cellular function through autophagy
③ Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Defense
Activation of the skin’s protective functions through Nrf2

Moisturization & Barrier Care

Oxygen Signaling Awakens the Skin

Harnessing the skin’s own ability to generate and retain moisture.
OFC enhances the production of filaggrin and ceramides, supporting the moisturizing and barrier functions of the stratum corneum from within.

Promotion of Filaggrin Expression and Enzymes Involved in Ceramide Synthesis

To maintain a healthy stratum corneum, both the ability to retain moisture and the ability to prevent moisture loss are essential.
Filaggrin serves as a precursor to Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) within the stratum corneum, helping support the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Ceramides, on the other hand, fill the spaces between cells in the stratum corneum, helping reduce moisture loss while contributing to the skin’s barrier function against external stressors.
In studies using epidermal cells, OFC increased markers associated with filaggrin expression and ceramide production.
Rather than simply providing temporary moisture to the skin surface, OFC is a cosmetic ingredient designed to support the skin’s own mechanisms for generating and retaining moisture.

Clinically Demonstrated Hydration and Barrier Benefits
In a human clinical study, OFC increased stratum corneum hydration to 3.5 times that of hyaluronic acid and reduced transepidermal water loss to 2.4 times the level observed with ceramide.

Results from a Repeated-Use Human Study

▪️ Comparison with Other Ingredients (Human Efficacy Study)
OFC was compared with hyaluronic acid (HA), widely known for its high water-retention capacity, and ceramide (CERA), known for its contribution to skin barrier function.

OFC does more than simply provide moisture to the skin. It acts on both the moisture-retaining function and the barrier function of the stratum corneum.
By enhancing both “hydration,” which increases moisture within the skin, and the “barrier,” which helps prevent moisture loss, OFC was shown to support a healthy skin condition that is less prone to dryness.

*Internal data. N=7 (male and female subjects aged 20–50 years). Conducted in January 2025. Test formulations: carbomer gels containing each ingredient. Test site: forearm.

Skin Irritation & Oxidative Stress Care

Supporting the Skin’s Natural Antioxidant Defenses Against Oxidative Stress

Two-Step Antioxidant Support: Direct Action on Hydroxyl Radicals and Enhanced Glutathione Production

Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity Evaluated by ESR

Hydroxyl radicals are among the most highly reactive forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are one of the factors that can cause oxidative damage to the skin.
Using ESR (electron spin resonance), a technique that enables the detection of free radicals, OFC was shown to scavenge hydroxyl radicals.
OFC directly acts on oxidative stress factors once they are generated, helping protect and maintain a healthy skin environment.

Enhanced Glutathione Production

Glutathione is an important antioxidant produced within living epidermal cells, where it helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
In a study with OFC, intracellular glutathione levels were increased.
OFC supports the skin’s intrinsic antioxidant defense system from within, helping maintain skin that is more resilient to oxidative stress caused by external environmental factors.

Results from a Repeated-Use Human Study

Skin redness is one indicator used to assess disruptions in skin condition caused by factors such as dryness and external irritation.
Porphyrins are detected in association with sebum and the metabolic activity of the skin microbiota, and are used as an indicator for assessing the skin environment around the pores.
By directly acting on hydroxyl radicals while also supporting the skin’s intrinsic antioxidant defenses through enhanced glutathione production, OFC demonstrated the potential to help restore skin disrupted by external stressors to a healthier condition.

*Internal data. N=19 (male and female subjects aged 30–69 years). Conducted from November to December 2024. Test formulation: lotion containing 2% OFC. Test site: right cheek. Measurement device: VISIA.

Versatility & Applications

As a water-soluble ingredient, OFC offers excellent formulation flexibility across O/W and W/O emulsions.
It can be used in a wide range of applications, from cleansing and moisturizing to coverage products.

Recommended use level: 0.1–2%

More than 2 million products containing OFC have already been produced over the past three years.

Safety

The following safety tests have been conducted to confirm the safety of OFC:

　In vivo safety testing　・　Mutagenicity testing　・　Human patch testing、RIPT

In addition, OFC has a long history of use, including 【over 20 years of use in skincare cosmetics since 2004】and 【over 15 years of use in oral care cosmetics since 2011】.

To the best of our knowledge, no serious adverse events have been reported.
In a dermatologist-supervised use test involving subjects with sensitive skin, no complaints of irritation or itching were observed.

Overview

INCI Name Ingredient Name / Cosmetic Labeling Name Trade Name	Ozonized Glycerin Ozonized Glycerin Ozonated Functional Complex (OFC)
Recommended Use Level	0.1%–2%
Origin	100% naturally derived, RSPO-certified
Appearance	Clear, colorless, odorless liquid
Applications	Skin care and oral care