"ADN & Cosmétique" aims to guarantee the traceability of plant-based raw materials, with a strong commitment to transparency and security of supply. It was founded three years ago by several leading names in the cosmetics sector.
The processes put forward are based on genetic tools developed by the DNA Gensee laboratory, to "read" DNA barcodes on plants and algae, making it possible to authenticate them with a high degree of reliability.
A first step had been taken in early 2023 with the signing of a pre-consortium agreement by the historic players, Clarins, Croda Beauty Actives, DNA Gensee, Greentech, L'Oréal and Nuxe, to promote these techniques via scientific projects.
Today, members interact to create a bank of genetic "signatures". Botanical gardens and/or specialized conservatories collaborate to search for botanically authenticated plant samples, and determine their genetic signature.
Work in progress includes the study of closely related species and the creation of appropriate tools for the absolute authentication of plant resources. The creation of the database prototype is now underway. It will be enriched over the coming years with the addition of new botanical references.
The internationalization of the consortium, with the arrival of major players in the cosmetics industry involved in the manufacture of cosmetic ingredients or finished products, reflects the desire of manufacturers to guarantee the authenticity of their raw materials and their desire for transparency.
