Lipoid Kosmetik, a leading Swiss manufacturer of botanical extracts, actives and natural phospholipid products for the cosmetics and personal care industry, won three awards in three categories at the 22nd BSB Innovation Awards in 2024, despite the quality of the other products entered in the competition.

In the "Cosmetics/Raw Materials/Actives" category, its recently launched product, BakuLipid, won 3rd prize in its category. BakuLipid is a blend of the plant-derived alternative retinol bakuchiol and unsaturated phospholipids to improve skin penetration.

PhytoSolve Astaxanthin, a preformed emulsion containing the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin and natural phospholipids, won 3rd prize in the "Cosmetics/Raw Materials/Functionals and Recipients" category. 

In addition, Lipoid Kosmetik's Immortelle Oil Pro extract, renowned for its skin-firming and rejuvenating properties, was awarded 2nd prize in the "Natural Products/Raw Material/Actives" category, with the international jury praising its "convincing efficacy results, which respond to an ongoing challenge in body care".

"Being among the winners of this year's BSB Innovation Awards, alongside other industry leaders, underlines our unwavering commitment to developing innovative natural ingredients, underpinned by sound scientific research, appealing concepts and in tune with prevailing cosmetic trends."says the company.

Active Concepts, an Italian company that creates cosmetic bioactives, points out that global warming, marked by record temperatures, directly affects the aging and quality of skin and hair. Cosmetic formulations use a variety of raw materials to protect these parts of the body, with polymers playing a key role. 

In response to the need to reduce petrochemical pollutants worldwide, the beauty industry is increasingly turning to environmentally-friendly, biodegradable solutions. Biobased materials are considered essential for sustainability, and advances in biotechnology offer new ways to improve their effectiveness. 

Among the solutions explored: upcycling, replacing traditional ingredients with sustainable alternatives derived from recycled food industry by-products, while maintaining high product performance standards.

Active Concepts was interested in reusing pineapple crown waste to extract cellulose, transforming this residue into a precursor for a new biopolymer. 

Pineapple generates around 3 billion tonnes of by-products per year, mainly from the crown leaves. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is distinguished from other natural fibers by its high cellulose content, an important element for polymer reinforcement, biodegradable product additives, membrane reinforcement and the development of renewable biomaterials.

The Italian firm's expertise in biofermentation played a crucial role in the delicate elaboration of this active ingredient using a yeast-based cross-linking technology.

According to Active Concepts, AC Pina Colloida, the new biopolymer obtained by this process, improves the skin's protective barrier function, helping to retain moisture and prevent attacks from micro-pollution. By acting on the integrity of the dermo-epidermal junction, it could prevent the visible signs of ageing. In addition, AC Pina Colloida strengthens the structural integrity of hair by preventing the harmful effects of UV irradiation, resulting in healthier hair and demonstrating effective physical and sensory properties that improve overall skin coverage and product appearance.

The Edison Awards, named after American inventor Thomas Edison, recognize innovative products and entrepreneurs. 

For the second year running, Cargill has won three Edison Awards for innovations in the fields of intelligent transport, social and cultural impact, and skincare and beauty solutions.

In the field of care and beauty, Cargill received the Bronze award for its BotaniDesign 105 product, a plant-based substitute for petrolatum. This 100 % naturally-occurring, plant-based and easily biodegradable solution is, according to Cargill, highly moisturizing and can be included in a range of personal care products.

This innovation, like the other two award-winning products, demonstrates Cargill's ability to draw on more than a century of experience in the food industry to innovate across a wide range of challenges facing its customers and consumers.

All entries were reviewed by the Edison Awards steering committee and an executive jury. The jury was made up of over 2,000 senior executives and academics from the fields of product development, design, engineering, science, marketing and education, as well as past winners.

The protective layer of the hair cuticle is an indicator of hair health. When the scales are smooth, moisture is trapped in the hair, which in turn looks healthy, beautiful and vital. On the other hand, if the scales are open and protruding, moisture is lost and the hair looks dull and frizzy. This process is reminiscent of the scales on a pine cone, which open and close according to the weather!

Mibelle Biochemistry has developed PinoPlex, a new, innovative and sustainable hair care ingredient inspired by the structure and reactions of pine cone scales. Derived from upcycling, the active ingredient is derived from pine cones (Pinus sylvestris) which are selected and collected by hand from French forests. To obtain these precious ingredients, we use a gentle, environmentally-friendly, microwave-assisted extraction process.

"PinoPlex is a powerful moisturizer for the hair shaft and can combat dry, damaged hair. It not only penetrates hair, but also retains water by leveling the hair cuticle, making hair smoother and shinier. This bioinspired ingredient prevents split ends and improves the integrity of the hair fiber, making it more resistant to daily stress and breakage. It also promotes the differentiation of keratinocytes in the hair matrix, enabling hair to grow healthier and stronger. PinoPlex is an ideal ingredient for a variety of hair care applications, such as split-end repairers, leave-in repair creams, leave-in overnight moisturizing conditioners and much more."says Mibelle Biochemistry.