There's a recurring theme I'd like to open a conversation about. I'm seeing a lot of constant changes in the beauty world, and among them, the use of biotechnological ingredients. One might think it was a passing fad, but it's not. The use of these techniques has completely transformed the way we understand and use cosmetics, prompting us to rethink our perspective and acceptance of them. Thanks to them, the availability of new ingredients is virtually inexhaustible.
The idea for this post came to me last Wednesday morning, after chatting with other cosmetic brand founders, I found myself immersed in a fun day of skincare product shopping. Yes, you read that right: I love supporting other businesses and experimenting with their formulas. From bestsellers in department stores to artisanal products from niche shops. I returned home laden with new discoveries, each with its own unique combination of ingredients.
Now, my intention was not to imitate or copy their ideas. I have a very clear vision for my brand and I know exactly where I want to take my formulations. Besides, what's the point of creating a copy of something that already works wonderfully? However, during my shopping spree, something caught my attention: the definition of "Clean" (clean cosmetics) varies greatly from one brand to another. It's a testament to the growth of the beauty industry, with new ingredients making their debut almost daily.
The evolution of skincare formulation
Whether we're talking about a formula created by me or another brand, I'm always interested in the ingredients that work and their benefits for the skin. I must admit that I'm not as concerned about chemically modified additives that are added to the final product. The way we formulate has evolved, and with it, the language we use to communicate everything related to beauty and skin care. When I first started creating my formulas, being "green" was quite a challenge. Back then, there were few 100% natural ingredients available, and even most vegetable oils were preserved with synthetic antioxidants like BHT, rather than natural tocopherol (vitamin E). This was the landscape in the early 2000s, when I first ventured into natural formulation.
Biotech Ingredients: Opening Doors to Innovative Benefits
Fortunately, things have changed a lot since then. So much so that sometimes I need to pinch myself to confirm it's not a dream. One exciting breakthrough has been the development of natural glycols using biotechnological ingredients (laboratory-made ingredients from natural substrates). Traditionally, glycols were derived from petroleum. The remarkable thing about these new natural versions is their ability to act as solvents to extract active molecules, providing powerful skin benefits, just like their synthetic counterparts. Therefore, when you see a product containing glycolic extracts, it should no longer be a cause for concern. It's time to shift our focus from "free of" to "contains" and embrace the positive changes happening in the world of skincare.
The cosmetic industry is constantly evolving, and it's up to us, as consumers and formulators, to be well-informed, choose wisely, opt for innovation, and appreciate the great potential that biotechnology brings to natural cosmetics. We are witnessing a revolution thanks to biotechnological ingredients, and I eagerly anticipate the future possibilities this new science offers us.