Supplier Spotlight: 5 Biotech Pioneers to Watch

The beauty and personal care industry thrives on innovation, and suppliers are often at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements. From cutting-edge active ingredients to sustainable materials, suppliers play a crucial role in shaping the future of formulations and product development. In this roundup, we’re highlighting some of the most exciting supplier innovations, some that we have explored more in-depth during our Biotech campaign. Whether you’re looking for novel solutions for skin health, haircare, or eco-conscious formulations, this article will dive in and help you understand more about these ingredients. 

Why biotech?

Biotechnology allows the beauty and personal care industry to offer sustainable, efficient, and highly effective solutions. By harnessing the power of nature and science, suppliers are developing innovative ingredients that deliver impressive performance while reducing environmental impact. From lab-grown active to biofermented compounds, these technologies are paving the war for cleaner, greener, and more advanced ingredients and formulations.

Meet the innovators and their star ingredients

1. CLR Berlin

CLR Berlin was founded in 1926, but during the early 50s CLR shifted its focus to manufacture biologically active cosmetic ingredients. They focus on the research and development of products that are of both relevance for brands and for the final consumer - using cutting-edge methods and technologies. This allows for products that are natural, safe and most importantly efficient. 

CefiraProtect CLR™ (INCI names: Betaine, Isolmal, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Kefiran)

Their most recent innovation is derived from the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, creating a vegan fermented skincare ingredient that is protective and has anti-aging properties. It protects the skin from the exposome (external and internal factors that affect the skin) with skin-deep protein protection that improves the skin barrier, its elasticity and firmness. 

2. LipoTrue

LipoTrue Science & Biotechnologies is an international company where science and art meet each other. With a scientific team that has more than 30 multidisciplinary specialists, they use high technology to discover ground breaking active ingredients with amazing efficiency. Focusing on marine biotechnology, we spotlight two ingredients that were discovered through marine bioresearch.

Sirtalice (INCI name: Bacillus Ferment)

An active marine biotechnological ingredient that has come from the depths of the cold ocean (3.000m and 1.5ºC), it stimulates the synthesis of proteins involved in mitochondrial respiration and energy production. This helps recharge the skin energy leading to an improvement of strength and contraction. It offers long-lasting efficacy towards a more luminous and firmer skin, with an instant lift and V-reshape in 30 minutes. Not only that but once tested for in vitro efficacy it showed a strengthening in skin, enhancing the synthesis of collagen, and breaking the skin aging feedback loop through the recharging of cellular energy. 

V/WA™ (INCI name: alteromonas ferment extract)

This ingredient is resultant from the fermentation of the newly discovered Alteromonas lipotrueae, a symbiotic microorganism that lives on the surface of the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca, from the Mediterranean Sea. The metabolic analysis of the ferment derived from this microorganism confirmed that it has biomimetic compounds that are linked to muscle contraction. Thus, V/WA™ relaxes the expression of wrinkles on crow’s feet, the forehead and hidden wrinkles, through three steps of neuromuscular communication. In vivo efficacy showed that crow’s feet had -9% wrinkle depth and volume in just 10 minutes, and up to 35% wrinkle depth in crow’s feet in 28 days. 

3. Evolved By Nature 

They are a life sciences company that uses the power of nature together with the principles of biotechnology, to create and offer sustainable and innovative solutions for beauty formulations. They have ground breaking developments in peptide chemistry, leading to the creation of the pioneer Activated Silk™ technology, which transforms silk into potent bioactive peptides through three simple ingredients - salt, water, and silk protein sourced from unused cocoons. The sustainable sourcing from cocoons that would go to waste ensures an almost carbon neutral supply chain. The peptides derived from this technology are able to outperform other conventional ingredients while being naturally-derived, biodegradable, and cruelty-free. 

Activated Silk™ 33B-α (INCI name: pending)

This bioactive peptide strengthens the skin’s ability to maintain its own barrier, through locking in moisture and protecting the skin from triggers that can lead to inflammation, leading to better looking and healthier skin. Furthermore, it has anti-aging properties, as this peptide improves visible skin firmness and reduces the presence of fine lines and wrinkles. Activated Silk™ 33B-α brings a new degree of compatibility in formulations, as it is water-soluble, and maintains its effectiveness even in rinse-off products. 

Activated Silk™ 27P-⍺ (INCI name: pending) 

This peptide is a collagen supporting bioactive peptide that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through the elevation of skin firmness and tightness, making it gentle enough for sensitive skin and everyday usage. It has an added bonus of not having the common side effects of collagen derived ingredients such as skin irritation, sensitivity or product stability issues. It works by supporting the natural production of the most prominent and valuable form of collagen in the dermis.  

Activated Silk™ 8A-α (INCI name: pending) 

This peptide tackles hyperpigmentation in the epidermis by exfoliating the skin through a non-harsh process to the skin, while being a sun-safe alternative to traditional ingredients that are often biosensitive. It encourages the skin to quicken its turn around rate, to introduce new cells into the place of old or damaged skin cells. This leads to a more vibrant, even-looking skin in a gentler and more effective way. 

4. Givaudan

Givaundan is a global leader in the creation of fragrances, and active cosmetic ingredients, blending creativity, science, and innovation to inspire the senses. With a rich heritage spanning over 250 years, the company is at the forefront of biotechnology, leveraging cutting-edge research and sustainable practices to develop high-quality, nature-inspired solutions. They collaborate closely with partners worldwide to harness advanced technologies and deliver transformative products that meet evolving needs of consumers across the beauty industry. 

Neossance™ Squalane (INCI name: Squalane)

This biotech squalane derived from the fermentation of renewable Brazilian sugarcane is a high purity biomimetic emollient and a stable form of squalene. A sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternative, it gives consumers balanced and healthy skin, with its efficacy being proven in clinical tests, where it significantly reduces transepidermal water loss and increases skin elasticity. Not only this, but also promotes microbiome diversity for younger and healthier skin.

Neossance™ Hemisqualane (INCI name: C13-15 Alkane)

A multifunctional alternative to silicones in various formulations, Neossance Hemisqualane™  is a sustainable ingredient developed from the fermentation of Brazilian sugarcane. It is proven to penetrate hair fibers for healthier hair, it performs better than D5 at removing makeup and improves skin hydration by 28% compared to a placebo after just 1 hour of treatment. 

5. Core Biogenesis 

Core Biogenesis is an emerging leader in the biotechnology space, specializing in the sustainable production of growth factors and other high-value biomolecules  to be used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. These scalable and eco-friendly solutions enable the creation of next generation beauty products that are both effective and aligned with consumer demand for sustainability and innovation. 

peauvita™ (INCI name: Water, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Camelina Sativa Oleosomes/Camelina Sativa sr-(Arabidopsis Thaliana Polypeptide-2 sh-Oligopeptide-1_, Gluconodeltalactone)

This ingredient is a next-generation Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) fused with Oleosomes and sustainability produced in plants. This innovative ingredient delivers enhanced stability and superior skin penetration, proven in just 14 days to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, restore the skin barrier, and boots Type I collagen - ushering a new era of anti-aging skincare powered by advanced biotechnology. 

peauforiaᵀᴹ (INCI name: Water, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Camelina Sativa Oleosomes/Camelina Sativa sr-(Arabidopsis Thaliana Polypeptide-2 sh-Polypeptide-1), Gluconodeltalactone)

Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FCG-2) fused with Olesomes and sustainably produced in plants. This breakthrough ingredient offers enhanced stability and superior skin delivery, clinically proven in just 14 days to reduce melanin in hyperpigmentation and enhances skin firmness. A game-changer in anti-aging skincare, it represents the next frontier of biotechnology-powered beauty. 

Conclusion

In a rapidly evolving beauty landscape, biotechnology is redefining what’s possible by combining sustainability, innovation, and performance. From plant-based growth factors to advanced delivery systems, these biotech suppliers are paving the way for transformative skincare solutions that meet the demands of both the consumers and the environment. As we look to the future, the synergy between science and nature promises to unlock even more groundbreaking ingredients, shaping the next era of beauty. 

Ready to incorporate these ingredients into your formulations and join the biotech revolution? 👉 Learn more about biotechnology and elevate your products today!