The organizers of in-cosmetics Korea (Seoul, July 2-4, 2025), South Korea's only trade show dedicated entirely to personal care ingredients, have announced the winners of the in-cosmetics Korea Awards 2025.
A panel of experts from across the personal care sector selected this year's winners in the following categories: Best Ingredient, Functional Ingredients and K-Beauty Standout Award, which recognizes pioneering skincare and make-up ingredients in line with K-beauty values.
The show is officially supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea, which plays a leading role in promoting K-health worldwide.
Best Ingredient Award
Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant won gold in the Active Ingredients category with Melicica, a honey-based skin repair solution. Drawing on nature's regenerative power, this versatile active ingredient is ideal for sensitive skin, post-procedure recovery, acne-prone skin, even skin tone and texture, and baby care. Thanks to its effectiveness in skin regeneration, Melicica marks a significant step forward in restorative skin care.
Silver went to Provital for Pureblome, an innovative biotechnological ingredient developed from its exclusive Triplobiome technology. This regenerating active ingredient improves skin texture, balances sebum production, reduces inflammation and delays the signs of aging, offering triple action in a single formula.
Bronze was awarded to Algaktiv for Algaktiv Exometics G, a biomimetic, vegan exosomal technology derived from microalgae. Designed to stimulate cell renewal, elasticity and anti-aging effects, this ingredient illustrates the potential of algae in high-performance skin care.
Functional ingredients category
KCC Silicone Corporation won gold in this category with Harmonie NatuVel gel, a 100 % elastomer of natural origin with a uniquely soft feel and blurring effect. Its exceptional compatibility, especially with UV filters, opens up new formulation perspectives.
Silver was awarded to the Solabia group for OleoShine Green, a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers that brings radiance and light to make-up products, without compromising performance. An ingredient in line with the growing demand for high-impact, eco-responsible formulas.
Bronze was awarded to IOI Oleo GmbH for Softisan 650, a multifunctional, natural and vegan film-forming agent. It provides long-lasting hydration, water resistance and effective protection of the skin barrier, making it an ideal ally for skincare and suncare products.
K-Beauty standout award
Givaudan Active Beauty has won the K-Beauty Standout Award for PrimalHyal UltraReverse. This intracellular hyaluronic acid stands out for its ability to penetrate the skin and act at DNA level, targeting the major biological markers of aging. With a sustainable approach at the heart of its development, it redefines the potential of hyaluronic acid for long-term skin health.
Second place went to TriBeaute Inc. for AzePore, an innovative blend of synthetic fatty acids with moisturizing, anti-aging and anti-acne properties. Designed to dissolve blackheads and tighten pores, it also acts against bacterial proliferation, treating both surface and deep-seated skin problems.
"This year's nominations demonstrate the industry's ongoing commitment to advancing cosmetic science.said Sarah Gibson, Director of in-cosmetics Korea. We're proud to shine the spotlight on the innovators behind these disruptive ingredients, and to celebrate the ingenuity, sustainability and scientific rigor that are shaping the next generation of K-beauty. Our experts were truly impressed by the quality and richness of the submissions in each category."
Photo taken from the Linkedin page in-cosmetics Korea.
