TransFORM Body Complex with TriHex Technology

TriHex Technology, and what it proposes

This is Alastin's patented platform and the reason the brand exists. The proposition is worth understanding precisely, because it differs from how most peptide products describe themselves.

Most anti-ageing ingredients aim to stimulate production of new collagen and elastin. TriHex proposes an additional step first: supporting the skin's own clearance of damaged, fragmented elastin and collagen before new fibres are laid down.

The reasoning is that accumulated damaged protein occupies the space where new fibres would form, and that clearing it creates a better environment for renewal. Alastin describe this as preparing the extracellular matrix.

The peptides carrying this are hexapeptide-11 and acetyl tetrapeptide-2. Alastin hold a US patent on the technology and have published supporting studies, most of which they funded. The underlying idea is coherent and the research is real, though independent replication is limited, as is typical for proprietary cosmetic technologies.

Caffeine, high in the list

Ninth position, which is unusually high and tells you this is a body formula rather than a face one scaled up.

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, narrowing superficial blood vessels temporarily. In body products it is used for the appearance of smoothness and firmness. The effect is temporary and cosmetic, and it does not change underlying tissue structure.

The other peptides

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a matrikine, a fragment that signals to fibroblasts as though repair were needed. It is one half of the Matrixyl 3000 pairing.

Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is studied for effects on matrix proteins. Both carry palmitoyl chains, making them more lipophilic and better able to cross the barrier than a plain peptide would.

The botanical layer

A long list, and several are doing identifiable work.

Centella asiatica, gotu kola, is among the better-evidenced botanicals in topical use, studied for effects on collagen synthesis and wound healing. Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein, a well-studied antioxidant polyphenol. Glaucium flavum, yellow horned poppy, appears in firming formulations.

Dunaliella salina and euglena gracilis are microalgae, both used for their carotenoid and antioxidant content. Hydrolyzed candida saitoana is a yeast-derived extract.

Plantago lanceolata, dill extract and linseed extract round out the complex.

Hydration and film

Pullulan and sclerotium gum are polysaccharides forming a light film at the surface. Squalane, shea butter extract, avocado fruit extract and sunflower seed oil provide the emollient layer. Phospholipids and hydrogenated lecithin support delivery and the barrier.

Fragrance

Sweet orange peel oil provides the scent, with limonene, linalool and citral declared as recognised contact allergens.

Worth a note on citrus: bergamot, lime and bitter orange oils contain furocoumarins and are phototoxic. Sweet orange, Citrus aurantium dulcis, is generally regarded as non-phototoxic, which is why it appears in daytime products where the others would not.

Body areas concerned with firmness, texture and the appearance of crepiness. Commonly used on arms, thighs, abdomen and knees.

No retinoid, no exfoliating acid and no high-strength active, which makes it well tolerated on the larger surface area a body product covers.

Consider carefully if you have reacted to fragranced products or to citrus before.

Apply to clean, dry skin morning and evening, massaging into the areas you want to treat.

Consistency matters more than quantity. Peptide products work gradually, and body skin is thicker than facial skin, so change is slower. Several months of twice-daily use is a realistic expectation.

Follow with sunscreen on any area exposed to the sun. Body areas are frequently neglected in sun protection and it undermines everything else you are doing.

Use alongside

Your usual body moisturiser, applied afterwards if you want additional emollience, however, not necessary.

Sunscreen on exposed areas.

Keep apart

Body exfoliants on the same application. Allow the skin to settle between them.