The cosmetics industry is constantly growing, and with it come environmental concerns. Despite the virtues of natural ingredients and their benefits for the skin, they are not always aligned with the planet.
Some challenges we face today are the low yields of certain plants, meaning a small amount of raw material is obtained even from large quantities of plants. On the other hand, aggressive substances like methanol and sulfuric acid are still frequently used for the extraction of natural ingredients. If there is one thing that characterizes Twelve Beauty, it is knowing every ingredient, from its origin to the final product. We meticulously analyze its life cycle and the processes it undergoes to ensure its sustainability. This commitment means that some ingredients do not meet our standards. Not all plant-based formulas are linked to the concept of sustainability.
We are passionate about combining traditional ingredients with the latest scientific advancements. We are always on alert, with all our senses on, to thoroughly analyze the latest innovations. Therefore, in this post, we want to highlight an innovative solution that addresses concerns related to the environment and natural cosmetics: biotechnology.
What is biotechnology?
Simply put, biotechnology is the use of microorganisms or plants as a basis for creating active substances. When you see "made with biotechnological ingredients" on your skincare product label, it means they were produced in a laboratory under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and soil quality, among other factors. You might wonder why someone would prefer to make skincare ingredients in a lab instead of harvesting them directly from nature. However, there are solid reasons for this practice.
Biotechnology: A Sustainable Solution
The ability to combine natural virtues with cutting-edge technology in a laboratory gives rise to ingredients that are virtually identical to natural ones, but minimize their environmental impact. Unlike synthetic ingredients, which often try to imitate nature, biotechnology follows a different path. It identifies natural living components and replicates them, reducing water consumption, preserving land, and fostering biodiversity; these are the most common environmental concerns in traditional ingredient production methods. It's about collaborating with nature, without overusing its resources.
Furthermore, the sustainable production of natural molecules under controlled laboratory conditions ensures the safety and consistency of ingredients, making it a more reliable option for your skin. However, biotechnology faces some inherent difficulties and limitations.
These are the main areas of research today:
Marine technology: With a wide variety of species, some of which inhabit extreme conditions, leveraging the benefits of these microorganisms poses challenges. Thanks to scientific data and deep knowledge of their natural habitats, we can replicate these conditions, paving the way for the development of innovative molecules.
Wild plants: Vertical farming emerges as a compelling and sustainable solution. This method creates a controlled environment without the need for pesticides, optimizing resources with solar panels, water management, and biodegradable containers. Additionally, crop recycling is promoted.
Giving new life to traditional ingredients: By recreating plant species from precursor cells, we promote the preservation of biodiversity. This approach also investigates new applications for traditional ingredients, ensuring full use of every part of the plant.
Twelve Beauty and Biotechnology
Why are we so excited about biotechnology at Twelve? Because it allows us to create products that are both effective and environmentally friendly. It's the perfect combination of tradition, innovation, and sustainability, something we deeply believe in.
Our natural ingredients are sourced locally to reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, thanks to biotechnology, we enhance these natural ingredients to create nutrient-rich skincare formulas. This means less need for large ingredient harvests and a reduction in waste. Our goal is to offer effective products that merge the best of nature and science.
Although biotechnology may seem futuristic, it already plays an important role in numerous skincare formulas. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, yeast polysaccharides, and microalgae extract are just a few examples.
For more information on how biotechnology can benefit your skin, book a video call with one of our experts.