NK‑031 Yeast Zinc – The Bio-Integrated Zinc Ferment for Sebum Regulation, Scalp Health & Barrier Repair
Model No. : NK‑031 Yeast Zinc
Brand Name: NIKOOCHEM
Place of Origin: Guangdong, China
INCI: Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, 1,2-Pentanediol or Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Appearance: Light yellow to yellow liquid
pH : 4.0 – 6.0
Solubility: Water-soluble
Zinc Content ： ≥1,800 mg/kg
Recommended Dosage : 1 – 10%
Applications：Skincare (74.69% of market), hair/scalp care (19.07%), colour cosmetics
Strain Origin：Saccharomyces cerevisiae, self‑selected, CGMCC‑preserved
Production Process：Submerged liquid fermentation → biotransformation → separation & purification → compounding
Storage ：Room temperature, sealed, dry
Shelf Life：24 months (under recommended conditions)
Safety：Low irritation, suitable for sensitive skin
MOQ : 25 kg
Packaging : 25 kg/drum
Product Characteristics
NK‑031 Yeast Zinc (Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment) is a bio‑integrated zinc active ingredient independently developed by NIKOO Chemical. It is produced using a self‑selected Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (preserved at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center, CGMCC No. 33***) through submerged liquid fermentation in a zinc‑enriched medium. Through biological transformation, zinc ions form stable chelated complexes with proteins, peptides, amino acids, and other organic components within the yeast cells.
Compared to traditional inorganic zinc salts (e.g., zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, PCA‑zinc), NK‑031 "organifies" zinc through biotransformation, significantly enhancing its bioavailability while eliminating the skin irritation and chelation precipitation issues associated with inorganic zinc compounds.
Mechanism of Action
The Core Role of Zinc in Skin Physiology
Zinc is an essential trace element in the human body, with a total content of 2–3 grams. Approximately 5% is distributed in the skin – making it the third‑highest zinc‑containing tissue after skeletal muscle (60%) and bone (30%).
Zinc performs multiple physiological functions in the skin:
- Sebum Regulation: Inhibits 5α‑reductase activity, reducing DHT‑driven sebum production
- Anti‑Inflammatory: Reduces production of inflammatory mediators (TNF‑α, IL‑6, etc.)
- Antioxidant: Scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), protecting cells from oxidative damage
- Antimicrobial: Effective against Malassezia (MIC: 10‑15 μg/mL), C. acnes (250 μg/mL), and S. aureus
- Barrier Repair: Promotes cell proliferation and collagen synthesis, supporting skin barrier repair
- Photoprotection: Shields against UV‑induced damage
The Bio‑Transformation Advantage of Yeast Zinc
Yeast cell structure is the closest microbial structure to human cells. Through biotransformation, zinc is chelated with small‑molecule peptides, proteins, and amino acids within the yeast, offering the following advantages:
| Feature | Inorganic Zinc (ZnO, ZnPCA, etc.) | NK‑031 Yeast Zinc |
| Bioavailability | Low | High – zinc chelated with peptides/amino acids |
| Skin Irritation | Moderate to high | Low – gentle and skin‑friendly |
| Transdermal Absorption | Poor | Excellent – small‑molecule peptide‑bound zinc penetrates more readily |
| Chelation Precipitation | Prone to occur | None – biotransformation eliminates precipitation issues |
| Efficacy Duration | Limited | Long‑lasting – regulates sebum at the gene expression level |
Technical Specifications
|
Parameter |
Specification |
| Model No. | NK-031 |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow liquid |
| pH | 4.0-6.0 |
| Solubility | Water‑soluble |
| Zinc Content | ≥1,800 mg/kg (0.18%) |
| Recommended Dosage | 1-10% |
| Strain Origin | Saccharomyces cerevisiae, self‑selected, CGMCC‑preserved |
| Production Process | Submerged liquid fermentation → biotransformation → separation & purification → compounding |
| Preservative System | Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, 1,2-Pentanediol or Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, sealed |
Efficacy Validation
Sebum Control – Gene‑Level Regulation
Using an in vitro sebocyte (SZ95 cell) model, qRT‑PCR was employed to verify the expression of sebum‑related genes:
| Gene | Function | 0.5% | 1.0% | 2.0% |
| SREBP‑1c | Key lipogenesis transcription factor | ↓ Significant downregulation | ↓ Significant downregulation | ↓ Significant downregulation |
| PPARG | Adipocyte differentiation regulator | ↓ Significant downregulation | ↓ Significant downregulation | ↓ Significant downregulation |
| PIK3 | Sebocyte proliferation signalling | - | ↓ Significant downregulation | ↓ Significant downregulation |
Conclusion: Yeast/zinc ferment significantly inhibits sebum‑related genes SREBP‑1c, PPARG, and PIK3, achieving multi‑target, comprehensive sebum control.
5α‑Reductase Inhibition
At 0.8%‑1.5% concentration, BEN‑031 significantly inhibits 5α‑reductase activity. At 0.625% concentration, it significantly downregulates type I 5α‑reductase gene mRNA expression, improving oil‑control target activity by 29%.
Scalp Care Efficacy
A 2024 study published in China Surfactant Detergent & Cosmetics (Vol.54, Issue 9, p.1099‑1105) systematically validated the scalp care efficacy of yeast/zinc ferment:
- Safety: Human patch tests confirmed that 5% concentration is safe for human use
- Sebum Control: 5% concentration significantly reduces scalp oil secretion
- Hair Follicle Health: Improves hair follicle cycling and promotes hair shaft growth
- Anti‑Dandruff: Effectively inhibits Malassezia, reducing dandruff formation
Soothing & Repair Efficacy
In vitro and clinical tests confirm BEN‑031's significant skin barrier repair and soothing efficacy:
- Synergistically repairs skin barrier and alleviates sensitivity
- Superior anti‑inflammatory profile with lower irritation and higher safety
- Reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS)
Whitening & Brightening Efficacy
Yeast zinc inhibits tyrosinase activity, removes various types of pigmentation, and prevents sun‑induced darkening.
Product Application
Why Choose Our NK‑031 Yeast Zinc??
✅ Patent-protected – self-selected Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (CGMCC No. 33***)
✅ High zinc content – ≥1,800 mg/kg
✅ Superior bioavailability – zinc complexed with peptides and amino acids
✅ Low irritation – eliminates the drawbacks of inorganic zinc
✅ Multi-functional – sebum control, barrier repair, soothing, antimicrobial
✅ Water-soluble – easy to formulate across multiple product types
Application Scenarios
Based on market registration data, the distribution of yeast/zinc ferment in cosmetic applications is:
| Category | Share |
| Skincare | 74.69% |
| Hair & Scalp Care | 19.07% |
| Colour Cosmetics | 6.18% |
Skincare Applications
| Product Type | Key Benefits | Recommended Dosage |
| Oil‑control serums / emulsions | Sebum regulation, shine reduction | 1-5% |
| Acne repair products | Anti‑inflammatory, antimicrobial, soothing | 2-5% |
| Soothing & repair toners/lotions | Barrier repair, anti‑sensitivity | 1-3% |
| Brightening & spot‑correcting serums | Tyrosinase inhibition, brightening | 2-5% |
| Pore‑tightening products | Sebum control, astringent | 1-3% |
Scalp & Hair Care Applications
| Product Type | Key Benefits | Recommended Dosage |
| Anti‑dandruff shampoos | Malassezia inhibition, sebum control | 2-5% |
| Oil‑control shampoos | Sebum regulation, refreshing | 2-5% |
| Scalp serums / ampoules | Follicle health improvement, growth promotion | 3-5% |
| Scalp soothing tonics | Anti‑inflammatory, anti‑itch | 2-3% |
Competitive Advantages Summary
| Dimension | NK‑031 Yeast Zinc Advantage |
| Technological Barrier | Self‑selected proprietary strain (CGMCC‑preserved), patent‑protected |
| Bioavailability | Zinc chelated with peptides/amino acids – significantly higher transdermal absorption than inorganic zinc |
| Safety | Low irritation, no chelation precipitation issues – suitable for sensitive skin |
| Comprehensive Efficacy | Sebum control, anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, barrier repair, whitening – all in one |
| Clinical Validation | 2024 peer‑reviewed journal publication on scalp care efficacy |
| Clinical Validation | Listed in China's Inventory of Used Cosmetic Ingredients (2021 Edition) |
Packaging
25kg/drum according to customers' requirements
For samples, it is shipped by express , such as FedEx,DHL,TNT& UPS, it takes around 3-7 days. For bulk order, we will recommend to ship by sea. If you have cooperated shipping agent in China , we can ship to their warehouse for you.
1, the addition amount of 1-10% or so, it is recommended that the product is added in the formulation of low temperature (below 55 ℃ when) stage;
2、It is recommended that its package is light-avoidance closed package to reduce contact with air and light sources, sealed storage, and pay attention to reasonable sun protection.
Storage: room temperature (5-25 ℃) to save sealed, shaded cool place to save, 4-5 ℃ refrigeration is preferred. After opening, wipe the bottle clean and store it in airtight refrigerated storage, it is recommended to use it up within 1 month after opening.
Shelf life: the product can remain stable for at least two years when stored in closed containers under the recommended conditions.
faq