Chitosan is the bioactive ingredient that powers ChitoCare products. But what is it exactly, where does it come from and what are its benefits? Read on to learn more about the star ingredient behind the ChitoCare brand.

ChitoCare beauty: born from the sea

ChitoCare beauty was born out of a respect for nature. Heeding the call for a more sustainable and circular industry, and following years of research, we have harnessed a natural biopolymer abundantly found in the Arctic waters around Iceland: chitosan.

Our parent company, Primex Iceland, is a marine biotechnology company and global leader in the sustainable production of pure, high-quality chitosan products. Over 20 years of experience in the field of chitosan production and years of extensive research and development led to the creation of ChitoCare, the first skincare brand globally to incorporate high-quality chitosan into its products. 

These include three product categories:

• ChitoCare beauty, our range of skincare products
• ChitoCare medical, our range of medical devices
• ChitoCare supplements, our range of dietary and skincare supplements 

The chitosan concentration used in each of these products differs slightly, allowing it to confer optimal effects depending on the product's intended purpose. 

What is chitosan?

Chitosan is a polymer derived from chitin. Chitin is the second-most abundant natural biopolymer in the world (topped only by cellulose). Chitin is found in fungi, insects, some algae, microorganisms, some invertebrate animals, and in the cell walls of crustaceans, such as crabs, shrimps and lobsters.

Chitosan is a natural, renewable and nontoxic organic polymer with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, making it an environmentally efficient ingredient. Chitosan has also proven to be an excellent alternative to synthetic, eco-harmful chemicals, rendering it a promising ingredient for a greener future.

Sustainable sourcing and production of chitosan

Chitosan is commonly extracted from the exoskeletons of crustaceans. ChitoCare sources its chitosan from the discarded exterior shells of the Pandalus borealis cold-water shrimp, which are a by-product of the Icelandic fishing industry. Our chitosan is manufactured in-house by Primex Iceland, located in the historic fishing town of Siglufjörður (pictured below) in North Iceland. The utilisation of marine stocks around Iceland is regulated by the government to ensure self-sustainable use of natural resources, contributing to a more balanced marine environment.

Sophisticated computerized technology and sustainable practices contribute to the complete utilization of natural resources. This upcycling of leftover materials helps to reduce waste, leaving a smaller environmental footprint. Furthermore, all our operations in Iceland are carried out with the use of renewable energy sources, including geothermal energy for electricity production and local aquifers for water sourcing.

Every little helps when it comes to sustaining our planet, and utilizing waste from other industries is one way of showing our respect for nature and the Arctic Ocean surrounding Iceland. 

A natural, biocompatible ingredient

Years of research and development have made chitosan a safe, natural and fast-acting substance that can lead to great health benefits. Its positive and effective qualities, varied applications and sustainable production are quickly turning chitosan into the ingredient of the future. 

Through purification and a chemical process called deacetylation, high-quality, pure chitosan is manufactured, that is certified as natural. Therefore, the final chitosan product used in the ChitoCare beauty and ChitoCare medical product lines is a biopolymer that is no longer related to crustaceans.

Natural beauty backed by science

A deep understanding of the unique qualities of chitosan has allowed us to develop a product line that is backed by science. By utilising the full potential of this astounding marine biopolymer, we are proud to offer our customers high-quality products with proven efficacy that contribute to healthier skin and a more sustainable world. 

Chitosan consists of amino sugars naturally occurring in the human body, rending it biocompatible, biodegradable, with low toxicity and suitable for use by all skin types, including people with sensitive skin or skin prone to skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and rosacea.

Clinically proven efficacy

Thanks to chitosan’s versatile nature, years of research and our cutting-edge technology, we continue to develop products that tackle specific skincare concerns, helping you unleash your inner beauty in a natural way.

ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Repair Serum

A clinical study, conducted on women (n=30, aged 40-60), demonstrated the efficacy of the ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Repair Serum, when applied twice daily for 6 weeks, with significant improvements in the following parametres:

• Skin hydration improved by 16%
• Skin firmness increased by 22%
• Skin elasticity increased by 7%
• Skin roughness decreased by 19%

ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Studies confirm the efficacy of ChitoCare beauty products. A clinical study, conducted on women (n=30, age 40-60), demonstrated the efficacy of the new ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Eye Cream, when applied twice daily for 4 weeks, with significant improvement in the following parametres:

• Improved skin hydration
• Improved skin firmness
• Improved skin elasticity
• Decreased skin roughness, resulting in reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Day & Night Cream

A clinical study, conducted on women (n=30, aged 40-60), demonstrated the combined efficacy of the ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Day Cream SOF 20 and Anti-Aging Night Cream, after 4 weeks of daily treatment, with significant improvements in the following parametres:

• Improves skin hydration
• Increased firmness
• Increased elasticity
• Decreased skin roughness, resulting in reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles