The Cosmetic Victories is a global competition and a benchmark for innovation. Its aim is to highlight the most promising research projects in the cosmetics industry, whether they come from French or foreign start-ups, SMEs or academic laboratories.
Several panels of international experts first examined some 80 Cosmetic Valley-registered projects from 18 countries.
The six teams still in the running for the final of the 7th edition were then heard by a jury presided over by Marc-Antoine Jamet, President of the competitiveness cluster, who unveiled the winners of the 2022 prize list at a ceremony broadcast on Cosmetic Valley TV on March 22.
Dr Sami Halila, a researcher at the Centre de Recherches sur les Macromolécules Végétales (CNRS Grenoble, France), is the winner of the Prix Académique for his Carbogel project. a Simple and Eco-Friendly Carbohydrate-Based Gelling Agent for Oily Phase. "
The project focuses on the supramolecular gelation of organic liquids, such as oils, solvents or fatty esters, by monosaccharide derivatives that self-assemble into a 3D network. The "sweet" gelators are synthesized by an eco-friendly and efficient method (reaction in water). Gelling is performed by sonication, or by heating/cooling, or by dilution. The gel can be used as a stimuli-sensitive matrix for the controlled delivery of cosmetic agents. Carbogel contributes to "green" and sustainable cosmetics by limiting our environmental and social impact.
The Industry Prize was awarded to Stefan Mazy, President and Founder of Derma Health Solutions Pty Ltd (Australia), for his SkinRNA Micro-cell Test project. A world first, this epigenetic diagnostic test can be repeated in patches and laboratories, and quantifies the effectiveness of skin care products through real-time gene expression activity. The device collects over 15,000 genes, while its algorithms provide gene expression activity scores for skin functions including collagen and elastin production, and skin inflammation. After product intervention, a second test is performed to measure new gene activity against the initial benchmarks. Consumers can then repeat the tests at regular intervals to monitor skin improvement at the genetic level without waiting for visible signs.
Photo: left, Dr Sami Halila; right, Stefan Mazy.
