As soon as NCEF [New Cellular Encapsulated Factors] was introduced to the cosmetics market, it quickly established itself as our laboratories' signature complex of ingredients. Used in all our treatments(1), this technology is the result of the knowledge and research of our experts, who drew inspiration from the injections used in aesthetic medicine.
In this article, we're going to take a close look at the various features of this revolutionary compound, examining its fascinating history, its state-of-the-art encapsulation technology, and the essential nutrients found in its new formula.
The story of NCEF.
The history of Laboratoires FILORGA began in Paris in 1978. After years of research into skin aging, Dr. Michel Tordjman invented a unique injectable anti-aging solution capable of acting on the factors that influence skin aging. The solution, administered as a a mesotherapy injection, acts on the factors that most directly influence skin quality, such as hydration, firmness, wrinkles, and glow. It was a resounding success, and aesthetic doctors from around the world would come to get Dr. Tordjman's polyrevitalizing solution directly from the laboratory.
Following this success, and with the objective of making its expertise in aesthetic medicine as widely available as possible, Laboratoires FILORGA sought to develop a cosmetic product range built around the same active ingredients as those used in injections.
To bypass mesotherapy while still incorporating the necessary active ingredients into a cream that could be readily absorbed by the skin, FILORGA's experts created NCEF, our unique complex that draws direct inspiration from the anti-aging solution invented by Dr. Tordjman over 45 years ago.
What active ingredients does NCEF contain?
NCEF originally included about fifty different ingredients. In 2024, we updated the formula; the number of active ingredients was reduced to 10, thereby optimizing efficiency while keeping the essentials.
Our new NCEF technology still contains the same ingredients essential to cellular metabolism and identical to those used in injections, but this time around, we've prioritized the most potent active ingredients. Decreasing the number of ingredients has also allowed us to use them in higher concentrations.
Let's take a look at what this new NCEF is made of.
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the human body, is particularly abundant in our skin and joints. Its unique structure allows it to retain water, in turn imbuing it with moisturizing and volume-enhancing properties.
NCEF contains a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid , which, thanks to its small size, is easily absorbed into the various layers of the skin. It then binds water within the skin, providing moisturization. It also boasts regenerative properties and the ability to jump-start the body's natural production of hyaluronic acid and collagen.
Our hyaluronic acid is of natural origin and is obtained by the biofermentation of wheat bran.
Amino acids.
Amino acids are the essential building blocks of proteins, which are required for almost all our vital functions. In the skin, for example, they are vital components of collagen and elastin.
As we age, or if our diet lacks protein, our ability to synthesize protein, and therefore collagen and elastin, is impaired. This is why NCEF delivers amino acids directly to where they will be most beneficial to the skin. Our formula includes:
- Arginine and glycine, which boost collagen production.
- Taurine, which hydrates the skin and protects and preserves the skin's barrier function.
An ultra-high-performance antioxidant.
Skin needs to be protected to ensure the optimal performance of its functions. This is why NCEF contains one of the most potent antioxidants ergothioneine, to help protect the skin from free radicals and the oxidative stress caused by external aggressors and UV radiation from the sun.
Minerals.
These micronutrients serve multiple functions in the body, from helping with chemical and enzymatic reactions to transmitting nerve signals and regulating the body's water balance.
NCEF contains:
- Sodium, which helps ensure optimal hydration. It improves the skin's texture, making it softer and smoother.
- Magnesium, which bolsters the skin barrier.
Vitamins
These essential compounds are needed in small quantities to maintain good health and normal body function.
We use two vitamins in NCEF:
- Vitamin B3 (or niacinamide) for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also proven to be effective against acne and liver spots, as well as in improving the skin barrier.
- Vitamin E (or α-Tocopherol), a major antioxidant, utilized in the form that is most easily absorbed by the human body.
An essential coenzyme.
Coenzymes are molecules that assist enzymes during chemical reactions within the body.
NCEF includes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) for its crucial role in energy production, detoxification, antioxidant regeneration, and the regulation of cell life.
Encapsulation: a state-of-the-art technology
To effectively deliver these active ingredients to the skin, FILORGA employs encapsulation. This technique, developed through scientific research, involves enveloping ingredients in microscopic, multilayered carriers. Each layer is made up of molecules that are biocompatible with the skin, and the active ingredients are inserted between these layers.
You could think of it like a mille-feuille pastry, but where each layer is stuffed with cosmetic ingredients
Once the ingredients arrive at their destination, they provide their regenerating, moisturizing, or nourishing benefits.
The NCEF-REVITALIZE range, inspired by mesotherapy injections used in aesthetic medicine.
FILORGA's new NCEF technology is featured in two innovative treatments directly inspired by mesotherapy injections used in aesthetic medicine: NCEF-REVITALIZE Serum and NCEF-REVITALIZE Cream.
NCEF-REVITALIZE Serum.
With its high concentration of NCEF, performs as effectively as a protocol of aesthetic injections(2) to smooth, even, and brighten. Its ultra-light texture is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is used morning and evening on the face and neck after cleansing the skin. Its formula is suitable for sensitive skin and contains 94%(3) ingredients of natural origin. It can be recommended as an alternative to injections or as a complement to them.
NCEF-REVITALIZE Cream.
includes the new NCEF complex in combination with firming peptides. Its rich, creamy texture has a silky, non-greasy feel and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its formula contains 94%(3) ingredients of natural origin. It is used morning and evening on the face and neck after the Serum.
- Except our cleansers, sheet masks, and TIME-FILLER SHOT 5XP.
- Clinical study comparing two groups of 25 women (Phototypes I to IV – Caucasian skin): One group underwent a protocol of 3 aesthetic injections every 3 weeks, and the other group used the Filorga NCEF-REVITALIZE Serum twice a day. At 9 weeks: comparable improvement in the appearance of the skin between the two groups in terms of radiance, evenness, and smoothness.
- Determined in accordance with ISO 16128.
