Application · Acne · SmartArrow®
The first clinically evaluated, microbiome-friendly acne solution.
SmartArrow® selectively targets the inflammatory C. acnes type I biofilm linked to breakouts, while preserving the beneficial strains that keep skin healthy.
Acne isn’t simply “too much C. acnes.”
It’s a collapse of protective C. acnes phylotype diversity. Conventional treatments (benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics) strip the barrier and can worsen that collapse. SmartArrow® targets the inflammatory type I biofilm and leaves commensal subtypes in place.
SmartArrow® is a coated nanoparticle that addresses the C. acnes biofilm inside the follicle and washes it away, so the pimple calms.
Clinical results
Visible results in 4 weeks.
0%
fewer inflamed pimples in young adults
0%
reduction in moderate facial redness
0%
sebum reduction by Day 28 (24% by Day 7)
0%
noticed smoother skin & tighter pores
Clinical study: n=34 participants with mild-to-moderate acne, 28-day dermatologist-supervised, monocentric single-group design (each participant their own control). Applied once daily, left on 30 minutes, then rinsed off. These results are from the SmartArrow particle alone, with no payload added. Assessments at Day 0, 7, 14, 28.
Microbiome selectivity
Microbiome selectivity, confirmed.
Clinical microbiome analysis showed the inflammatory type I subtype reduced by Week 4, while beneficial subtype II remained stable and overall diversity was preserved: progressive ecological rebalancing, not indiscriminate suppression.
For formulators
For formulators.
Evaluation samples are available for purchase, typically after an introductory call, never a free giveaway. Once you have a sample in hand, our team works alongside you, at no charge, to turn it into a successful formulation.
| Use level (add rate) | 1% w/w of the SmartArrow® ingredient |
| Active in finished product | ~0.03% recommended (0.01–0.1% range) |
| Formats | Serum, toner, gel, mask |
| Processing | Cold-process friendly |
| Stability | 24 months at 25°C (testing ongoing) |
| Safety | Non-irritant (HPT IS 4011:2018; OECD 439) |
| IP | GB2503389.5 + SmartArrow Plus WO2023168418 |
Formulating with our actives
Built to drop into your formula.
Both actives are protein-based, so formulation friendliness comes down to protecting the protein. Below is the practical guidance our team shares with formulators. Full compatibility tables and stability support come with a sample.
Two numbers, and why they differ
Use level (what you add)
1% w/w
of the SmartArrow® ingredient
Active in finished product
~0.03%
recommended (0.01–0.1% range)
There are two figures worth keeping distinct. The use level is how much of our ready-to-use ingredient you add to your formula: 1% w/w for both ArcherZyme® and SmartArrow®. The active level is how much engineered active that translates to in the finished product: 0.01% for ArcherZyme® and ~0.03% (recommended) for SmartArrow®. In short: you add 1% of our ingredient, and the active does its work at a fraction of a percent. Our team will confirm the exact use level for your specific format.
Plays well with
- Base & solvents: Buffered water, propanediol, propylene glycol
- Humectants: Glycerol, trehalose, dextran, amino acids
- Gelling agents: Carbomer 940, HEC, HPMC, chitosan
- Thickeners: Cellulose gum, xanthan gum (minimal)
- Surfactants: Polysorbate 20/60/80, poloxamer 184/188, decyl/coco-glucoside (minimal)
- Oils: Caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane, dimethicone, mineral oil
- Stabilisers: Trehalose, tocopherol, sodium ascorbyl phosphate (EDTA: SmartArrow® only)
Best avoided
- Alcohols: Ethanol, isopropanol: denature proteins even at low levels
- Strong ionic surfactants: SLS, SLES (CAPB only if validated): denaturing
- Reactive aldehydes: Citral, cinnamaldehyde, benzaldehyde: react with protein
- Reducing sugars: Glucose, fructose, lactose: Maillard reaction over time
- Alkaline soap systems: pH >9 irreversibly unfolds protein
- Inorganic thickeners: Polyphosphates, clays: can bind/adsorb protein
| Glycerin | Humectant | 50–55% w/w |
| Propylene glycol | Humectant / solvent | 40–45% w/w |
| Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 | Gelling agent | ~1.5% w/w |
| SmartArrow® | Active | 1% w/w (→ ~0.03% active in finished product) |
Reference formulation by Chaks Cosmetic Design & Services Pte. Ltd. Illustrative only, not final or exhaustive. Guidance is based on formulation principles and compatibility observations for enzyme-based actives. Confirm stability in your intended product matrix; our team will support you.
Claim directions
Marketing claims your brand team can build on.
Performance
- Clinically evaluated visible results in 4 weeks
- Precision targeting for clearer skin
- 94% consumer satisfaction
Safety
- Zero irritation, dermatologically tested
- Microbiome-friendly acne solution
- Engineered for biological compatibility
Sustainability
- Ultra-low active level in finished product (~0.03%)
- Waste-minimisation design
- Bioengineered, biodegradable active
Positioning
- Breakthrough anti-acne technology
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Cutting-edge molecular design
Claim directions are starting points for partner marketing. Final claims must be substantiated and reviewed for the target market and product format.