FAQs

72k frequently asked questions

72k is not just a skincare line, but an effective solution for skin problems such as dark spots, inflammation, acne, and redness. It is based on the medicinal plant Artemisia annua. The products are natural and organic, and their significant effectiveness has been proven in clinical studies. The studies were conducted by the certified Skintest Institute in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

In chemistry, the term “Trolox equivalent” (TE) is used to determine the antioxidant capacity of a sample. The Artemisia annua plant (the star ingredient in the 72k product line) has a very high antioxidant potential, specifically 72,000 TE per 100 g. This is where the name 72 kilo, or simply 72k, comes from. The 72k proprietary plant quality is developed and produced in Switzerland, from seed to sowing and harvesting to the final product. 100% organic and hyper potent.

We develop and manufacture 100% of our products in Switzerland according to the so-called 'cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice' cGMP and are certified according to the quality management system ISO22716. Even the star ingredient Artemisia annua used in our 72k products is organically grown and harvested by hand in the Swiss Alps (Valais) to guarantee the desired quality for the 72k Artemisia C-08UC Complex®.

From a Nobel prize-honored scientific breakthrough to modern skincare innovation. Derived from Artemisia annua – the same botanical whose active ingredient contributed to a Nobel Prize in Medicine for antimalarial therapy – this plant holds one of the most respected scientific legacies in modern natural research. Over time, specialized Artemisia annua cultivars have been optimized to concentrate key bioactive components – some revealing extraordinary potential for skin health. Partnering with leading research specialists in Switzerland, 72k refined cultivation, growth conditions and high-precision extraction – resulting in our exclusive Artemisia C-08UC Complex® – developed to maximize the skin-supporting potential of this remarkable botanical. Our innovative, multi-active Artemisia C-08UC Complex® formula with anti-pollution shield combats the signs of skin aging: ‘Aging well at its best’, based on 20 years of phyto- and skin biology research, developed and produced in Switzerland. The high quality of the 72k own Artemisia annua plants is influenced by the unique growing conditions in the Swiss Alps and our special dual-phase phytoextraction process of 72k. The Artemisia C-08UC Complex® has been specially developed for cosmetic applications. It protects the skin thanks to its antiseptic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties and counteracts any damage that has already occurred.

UltraDeepDelivery® brings at 72k state-of-the-art transdermal delivery technology from the pharmaceutical industry into use. The active ingredients are embedded in highly flexible, ultra-fine ethosomes that temporarily optimize the lipid structure of the stratum corneum layers. This allows functional actives to efficiently diffuse along the natural intercellular channels into deeper layers of the epidermis – while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier function. At the site of action, the ethosomes dissolve and release their amphiphilic components with small molecular size. This enhances the distribution and penetration of the functional active ingredients within the epidermis. Ethosom are the only mechanism that can reach the upper and middle dermis. Liposome or Transferosome can’t!

Artemisinin, the active ingredient in Artemisia annua, combats excessive skin pigmentation. These research findings were published in 2018 in an article in the prestigious British Journal of Dermatology (Oxford). The article highlights the particular dermatological benefits of artemisinin. Our Artemisia C-08UC Complex® activates natural cell communication, strengthens the skin's protective functions, and promotes long-term health and resilience. The Trolox equivalents (TE) are 72,000 micrograms per 100g, hence the name 72k. The artemisinin concentration in our Artemisia annua plants of 72k is strong and amounts to 100-300 ng/ml. By comparison, the artemisinin concentration in Artemisia annua plants grown in Germany is usually only 17 ng/ml.

Yes of course! 72k products are free of preservations, paraffin, parabens, silicone oils, aluminum salts, palm oils and microplastics.

72k takes an approach that is both cosmetic and based on dermatological, therapeutic, and scientific principles.

72k products are based on the scientifically researched Artemisia C-08UC Complex®. Its efficacy has been demonstrated in individual clinical studies. 72k develops and manufactures its products entirely in Switzerland through its parent company, Viocap AG. The company is female-owned and focuses on solutions for healthy and radiant skin for all ages and skin types. 72k is dedicated to developing, producing, and distributing innovative, highly effective natural organic and sustainable skincare products of outstanding quality.

The effectiveness of the products has been proven in clinical studies conducted by the independent Swiss Skin Test Institute STI in Neuchâtel. The results of the studies and data analysis for the individual 72k products were all statistically significant.

The main scope of 72k products is to act as a protective shield on the skin and to counteract inflammation, loss of collagen and elastin, stimulate the regeneration of the skin, fade and inhibit excessive formation of melanin, reduce skin redness in rosacea, improve skin moisture content, nourish the skin and contribute to an intact skin barrier.

We use 100% natural, plant-based or plant-original ingredients and all products are certified as ‘natural cosmetics’ according to the NATURE quality standard before they are launched on the market. For our products we use exclusively selected organic raw materials on a plant basis and purely natural fragrances in organic quality. All these high-quality ingredients are of course of natural origin and of organic quality. Our formulas protect the environment, are naturally effective and of course skin-friendly, which has been confirmed by independent laboratories. In addition, our products do not contain any mineral oil based raw materials or synthetic preservatives and colorants. Without exception, we do not use microplastics, silicone oil, aluminum salts or synthetic compounds in general. 72k products are NATURE certified.

We use 100% natural, plant-based or plant-original ingredients and all 72k products are certified as ‘natural cosmetics’ according to the NATURE quality standard before they are launched on the market. For the 72k products we use exclusively selected organic raw materials on a plant basis and purely natural fragrances in organic quality. All these high-quality ingredients are of course of natural origin and of certified organic quality and are therefore subject to natural fluctuations. Depending on the growing and harvesting conditions, our plant extracts may have slightly different color tones and fragrance intensities. Although we work strictly according to ISO22716 cGMP, small differences in the end product can hardly be avoided.

We use pure organic alcohol made entirely from sugarcane. Plant-based organic alcohol is not harmful to the skin – on the contrary: It is extracted from living plants, whose essence is produced in a pure fermentation process. Unlike synthetic alcohol, which degreases and dries out the skin, plant-based organic alcohol contains natural accompanying substances that respect and even support the skin barrier. It acts as a door opener for active ingredients: it gently loosens the lipid compounds on the skin's surface so that valuable plant extracts – such as artemisia, alpine edelweiss or cornflower – can penetrate deeply without stressing the skin. At the same time, it has an antimicrobial and protective effect – it preserves the formulation naturally, without any aggressive preservatives. This door opener allows the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the cells and unleash their full vitality. This does not happen as an external impulse, but as an invitation to the skin to regenerate itself.

"The inhomogeneity of the 72k eye and face cream is due to the unrefined, organic shea butter it contains. We have also seen this phenomenon in the past, here is the explanation: Shea butter has a melting range of 24°C-38°C with an average melting point of 28°C. If the face cream is stored in this temperature range, it can happen that the shea butter melts and then crystallizes again when the surrounding temperature drops below 28°C or 24°C. This is a phenomenon known as recrystallization. These crystalline areas can then be seen as inhomogeneity (white dots) in the product. However, this has absolutely no effect on the quality of the product. When the cream is rubbed in, the crystalline areas of shea butter immediately melt again and the cream spreads easily. Nevertheless, we are investigating this issue to avoid this happening in future. The question naturally arises as to why we still use this ingredient Butyrospermum parkii butter. Native shea butter (also known as shea butter or beurre de karité) has a high content of cosmetically valuable ingredients, including phytosterols, wax esters, tocopherols, antioxidant catechins and gallic acid as well as skin-friendly fatty acids. Their high proportion of unsaponifiable is particularly noteworthy, especially the phytosterols mentioned (including campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and α-spinasterol), triterpenes (cinnamic acid esters, α- and β-amyrin, parkeol, butyrospermol and lupeol) and tocopherols. Their proportion is between 6 and 12 %, sometimes 16 % is mentioned in the literature. Thanks to its broad spectrum of ingredients, shea butter regulates the skin's moisture content and has a moisturizing, soothing and smoothing effect. Its content of unsaponifiable strengthens the lipid barrier of the horny layer and predestines shea butter for the treatment of dry, neurodermitic and barrier-damaged skin. It is extremely well tolerated, soothes irritated and stressed skin and can also be used on its own or in combination with oils as a balm. In formulations, it acts as a natural consistency enhancer and produces smooth creams that are easy to apply and have a high penetration capacity due to their high content of unsaponifiable and oleic acid. Such an ingredient simply cannot be missing in a top-class face cream."

Although the two serums and creams differ only marginally on the outside, they are completely different in terms of how they work. In contrast to the face serum, the 72k eye serum has an oil phase and the active ingredients are liposomally encapsulated. When comparing the two 72k creams, the selection and quantity of the oils and the active ingredients are composed differently in order to optimize the effect at the site of action.

The raw materials we use are 100% natural and are therefore subject to natural fluctuations. Depending on the growing and harvesting conditions, our plant extracts may have slightly different color tones and fragrance intensities. Although we work strictly according to ISO22716 cGMP, small differences in the end product can hardly be avoided.

Pigment-regulating effect. Artemisia annua contains flavonoids and other phytochemicals that strongly inhibit melatonin production.

We use only water from the Adelboden mineral spring, one of the highest springs in Europe, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Oil-in-water emulsion

During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, 72k products are generally safe to use thanks to their natural and certified ingredients.

Bakuchiol can also be used during the day. And it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Protects against UVA, UVB, and blue light, offering very high protection. Sweat- and water-resistant. 72k's SPF 30 is even certified organic.

If the product appears to be empty, tap the applicator firmly 2–3 times with the tip pointing downward. This will allow you to use up any remaining product from the 72k multi-talent spot serum.

There is a claim circulating online that glycerin dehydrates the skin. This would only be possible if it were used in high concentrations and without water – which is not the case in modern formulations. Glycerin is identical to the skin and is therefore extremely well-tolerated. It is also suitable for very sensitive skin types – without any risk. Glycerin is often produced synthetically, but the glycerin used at 72k comes from purely organic soy.

This means they are encapsulated in so-called liposomes – tiny vesicles that protect the active ingredients and enhance their absorption. Specially formulated for the sensitive eye area.

We use low- and ultra-low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acids (<10 and <5 kD). This allows them to penetrate deeper layers of the skin and provides an intense, long-lasting effect: It improves elasticity and skin texture, locks in moisture, and plumps up the connective tissue from within.