The Breakthrough Biotechnology Bridging Sustainability & Skincare Performance

The Modern Skincare Dilemma

Today's beauty industry faces a complex paradox: consumers demand high-performance skincare products that deliver visible results, yet they're increasingly conscious of environmental impact. Many high-performance skincare routines rely on ingredients with significant ecological concerns, such as petroleum-derived emollients like mineral oil, which depend on fossil fuels; silicones, which do not biodegrade and accumulate as pollutants; synthetic preservatives with toxicity and ecological implications; and traditional actives, like retinol, which require extensive chemical processing, generating considerable waste.

True sustainability requires evaluating each stage of a product’s entire lifecycle—from sourcing to production to post-use, when ingredients are rinsed off or discarded. Often, hidden environmental costs emerge throughout this lifecycle, making it challenging for effective skincare products to be genuinely sustainable. For instance, an ingredient sourced sustainably may involve an energy-intensive manufacturing process that generates substantial waste, while some “natural” alternatives require extensive land, water, or resource-intensive extraction processes. 

Consumers are increasingly aware of these environmental trade-offs. A 2023 CleanHub survey found that “63% of consumers deem clean beauty as ‘extremely or very important’” in selecting cosmetics, and a joint study from McKinsey and NielsenIQ also revealed that “when consumers were asked if they care about buying environmentally and ethically sustainable products, they overwhelmingly answer yes.” Consumers now scrutinize ingredient lists, question manufacturing practices, and demand transparency about environmental impacts. The growing call for truly sustainable solutions is clear. However, until now, sustainable alternatives have often meant compromising on performance.

Despite these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging that make it possible to achieve both performance and sustainability. Evolved by Nature, a life sciences company pioneering natural peptide discovery, turned to nature for answers. They asked, “What if nature already held the solution? What if the key to bridging this gap was hiding in plain sight?"

Enter Activated Silk™, a revolutionary biotechnology that redefines what's possible in sustainable skincare. By harnessing the bioactive potential of silk peptides, this breakthrough innovation offers a solution that doesn’t require compromise between performance and environmental responsibility. 

Nature's Cutting-Edge Secret: Unveiling Activated Silk™

At the heart of this innovation lies a sophisticated yet elegantly simple approach. Evolved by Nature has pioneered a proprietary Activated Silk™ technology that transforms silk into potent bioactive peptides, using just three ingredients: salt, water, and silk protein sustainably sourced from unused cocoons. By upcycling cocoons that would otherwise go to waste, they ensure a carbon-conscious supply chain. This technology isolates peptides from natural silk to create their patented Activated Silk™ molecules. The result is a testament to the powerful combination of upcycled natural resources and novel biotechnology – bioactive peptide ingredients that are sustainable, naturally-derived, biodegradable, and cruelty-free, promoting sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle. 

What truly sets Activated Silk™ apart, however, is its ability to outperform conventional ingredients. These aren't just eco-friendly alternatives that ask brands and formulators to accept "good enough" performance – they're proving that sustainable ingredients can actually deliver superior results compared to their synthetic and traditional options.

Unlike non-active traditional silk ingredients, Activated Silk™ molecules are true bioactives, offering high performance. In contrast to synthetically produced silk, which is bio-fermented, difficult to scale, and raises sustainability concerns, Activated Silk™ molecules are scalable and promote a circular economy, ensuring genuine sustainability.

Performance Without Compromising the Earth

A standout in the Activated Silk™ range is Activated Silk™ 33B-𝛼, an innovative bioactive peptide that strengthens the skin’s ability to maintain its own barrier against environmental triggers that can lead to inflammation. As a non-occlusive ingredient, it provides superior skin barrier support with multiple benefits, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-derived ingredients like petrolatum.

Key benefits: 

• Supports the skin’s natural production of Claudin-1 – the protein that binds the top layer of skin together – to strengthen the barrier, going beyond other synthetic ingredients that merely mask symptoms. 
• Reduces signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduce the appearance of redness in as little as 7 days
• Significantly reduces TEWL (transepidermal water loss) in as little as 7 days
• Improves visible skin firmness
• Enhances overall skin barrier integrity 

Clinical studies: 

Clinical studies show that Activated Silk™ 33B-𝛼 improves skin hydration and reduces the appearance of redness within just 7 days, while significantly strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.

In a controlled study of 54 subjects aged 31-65, those who applied a 2% Activated Silk™ 33B-𝛼 serum saw a significant 18% reduction in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) compared to a placebo.

After 28 days of daily use, 94% of participants agreed their skin appeared replenished, healthier, and younger-looking, with visibly improved texture, firmness, and brightness.

The results speak for themselves, but what makes this ingredient even more impressive is its versatility. Unlike petrolatum, ceramides, and similar synthetic ingredients, Activated Silk™ 33B-𝛼 is water-soluble, allowing for broad formulation compatibility. Additionally, as an unexpected bonus, it maintains its effectiveness even in rinse-off products – a rare feat when compared to many other active ingredients.

While we’ve spotlighted 33B-𝛼 here, the Activated Silk™ range includes two other groundbreaking innovations. Activated Silk™ 27P-𝛼 supports natural collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while being gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use. Activated Silk™ 8A-𝛼 visibly tackles hyperpigmentation, enhancing the appearance of skin brightness and offering a sun-safe alternative to traditional brightening agents, which are often highly photosensitive. This tone-boosting bioactive peptide leads to a more vibrant, even-looking complexion. 

Beyond the Lab: Real-World Sustainability Impact

The environmental benefits of Activated Silk™ reach far beyond its natural and upcycled origins. These ingredients were purposefully developed to be part of the circular economy, starting with their sourcing. Silk cocoons are sourced as byproducts from the natural animal food industry – materials that would otherwise go unused and be discarded. Evolved by Nature upcycles this would-be waste into high-value skincare ingredients through a cruelty-free process. Then, they leverage their proprietary biotechnology method that only uses silk protein, water, and salt, powered by renewable energy. Once included in skincare formulations and used by consumers, these ingredients biodegrade after rinsing, seamlessly returning to the carbon cycle.

This commitment to sustainability has real-world impact: the Activated Silk™ technology contributes to achieving 8 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. It exemplifies how thoughtful innovation can create positive ripple effects throughout the supply chain, from fostering sustainable agriculture practices to reducing reliance on petrochemicals.

Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Skincare is Here

As the beauty industry advances towards greater sustainability, Activated Silk™ represents more than just a new ingredient – it serves as tangible proof and hope that performance and environmental responsibility can co-exist, and it’s not necessary to choose between one or the other. This breakthrough biotechnology demonstrates that nature, when combined with innovative science, can provide solutions that can meet ever-increasing consumer demands, as well as resolve our “Modern Skincare Dilemma” once and for all.

For brands looking to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable, high-performance skincare, Activated Silk™ bioactive peptides offer a compelling, ready-to-use solution. 

Evolved by Nature’s silk peptides are fully scaled and ready for orders. Try a free sample in your formulation and see for yourself. 

👉 Browse Activated Silk™ ingredients and request a sample on Covalo.