Ingredient Innovation: Top 10 Ingredient Articles of 2023

By Cassandra Stern

- Last updated on GMT

Top articles include the launch of the first-ever cosmetic wax, rice-protein-based fluorescent pigments for cosmetic formulations, and so much more. © Pattarisara Suvichanarakul Getty Images
Top articles include the launch of the first-ever cosmetic wax, rice-protein-based fluorescent pigments for cosmetic formulations, and so much more. © Pattarisara Suvichanarakul Getty Images

Related tags ingredient technology Sustainability Biotechnology sustainable beauty

From upcycled ingredients to probiotics and more, this year's ingredient innovation articles are exciting, informative, and reveal some of the biggest trends in beauty product development.

For cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers, remaining up-to-date on the latest and greatest in product ingredient research and development is essential to informing future formulation launches. 

Here are 2023's top 10 articles on ingredient innovation and development in the cosmetics and personal beauty care product spaces: 

#10: Researchers successfully develop hydrolyzed collagen serum derived from fish skin by-products

This study confirmed the serum is an effective moisturizer 'proven to be effective, with great potential in becoming a commercial cosmeceutical product, and can be used for anti-aging.'

In this article, we examined the investigation into how fishery by-products like cast-off fish skin could be upcycled into cosmetic ingredients, specifically, a beneficial bioactive ingredient for topical application. Researchers determined that the studied formulation was effective and opened the door for further studies of the ingredient's efficacy. 

#9: Ingredient innovation: first-ever algae-derived cosmetic wax launched​ 

Earlier this year, ingredients and materials company Upwell Cosmetics released an innovative, sustainable, and renewable alternative to petroleum-based wax for cosmetic and personal beauty care product formulation.

In this article, we spoke with Upwell Cosmetics Co-Founders Alexandra Dowling Lari and Daniella Zakon to learn more about the innovation behind the ingredient launch, the development process behind the algae-derived cosmetics wax, and its potential ecological impact on cosmetic product formulation. 

#8: Onion peel and passion fruit peel extracts can potentially 'replace synthetic ingredients' in daily SPF moisturizers

In this study, Portuguese researchers determined these extracts, which are readily available agro-industrial by-products, have significant potential to become valuable bioactive ingredients for cosmetic and personal beauty care products with added SPF protection.

This article explored how the study into the efficacy of onion peel and passion fruit extracts as a bioactive ingredient was conducted and the sustainability potential of upcycling these by-products into topical ingredients for personal care product formulations. 

#7: Biotech beauty brand launches first-to-market skin care molecule

Mother Science's proprietary antioxidant ingredient, Malassezin, claims to reduce dark spots and dramatically improve complexion with regular use.

In this article, we spoke with Mother Science's Co-Founder and COO Edna Coryell, as well as Chief Dermatologist Dr. Pearl Grimes, as they revealed the formulation and development process behind the novel ingredient launch, Malassezin's potential impact on future beauty care product formulations, and the research into the ingredient's efficacy. 

#6: DayGlo Color Corp. launches rice protein-based florescent pigments for cosmetics

In response to the growing demand for clean and sustainable cosmetic product ingredients, DayGlo's Elara Luxe pigment collection is an innovative option for cosmetics and personal beauty care manufacturers.

In this article, we interviewed Tom DiPietro, President of Research and Development, and Will Wooten, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at DayGlo, for their insights into the pigment's research and development process, as well as their thoughts on the launch's potential impact on future cosmetic and personal care product formulations. 

#5: BIOJUVE skin care features novel microbiome-friendly probiotic

Earlier this year, Crown Laboratories, Inc. launched the BIOJUVE skin care collection incorporating hero ingredient Xycrobe technology, whose efficacy is backed by clinical results.

In this article, we spoke with Dr. Thomas Hitchcock, Chief Science Officer at Crown Laboratories, Inc., to learn more about the Living Biome Essentials Serum, the development process behind the company's proprietary Xycrobe technology, and the ways that the technology and product collection are both novel and innovative. 

#4: First-time study confirms Pycnogenol improves hair density in menopausal women​ 

For women experiencing hair density loss due to hormonal changes related to menopause, pine-tree extract Pycnogenol supplements can offer a safe and natural option to restore hair growth, says a first-time study from Horphag Research.

In this article, we spoke to Sebastien Bornet, VP of Global Sales and Marketing at Horphag Research, as he revealed insights into how the study was conducted, its results, and the potential impact of the study's findings on future personal care product formulations. 

#3 'Coffee silverskin' and 'spent coffee grounds' show promise in cosmetic applications, states review​ 

In this recently published scientific review, researchers examined bioactive compounds found in coffee by-products and their potential benefits as upcycled cosmetic ingredients.

This article investigated the studies in the review and examples of current and future applications for eco-friendly coffee by-products in topical cosmetic and personal care product formulations. 

#2: Study finds the use of live probiotic in topical ointment could mitigate aging signs​ 

Issues with shelf stability, consumer education, and research gaps have been addressed through the testing and commercialization of a new lactic acid probiotic topical, according to study author Søren Kjærulff, Ph.D., CSO.

In this article, CosmeticsDesign interviewed Dr. Kjærulff for his insights into the finer details of the lactic acid probiotic topical study, findings regarding the efficacy of the ingredient for topical use in skin care products, and the future potential for further research and development processes. 

#1: 'Powerhouse' ingredient niacinamide 'an ingredient of awareness, and people are looking for it' says OLAY senior director​ 

In our most-read ingredient-focused article of 2023, CosmeticsDesign spoke to OLAY and essano, two very different brands focusing on the same versatile ingredient: niacinamide.

In the article, we investigated why Vitamin B3 is having a resurgence as a trending topical skin care product ingredient, why and how it works to improve skin quality and appearance, and the potential impact of this trend on cosmetic and personal care product formulations in 2023 and beyond. 

Want to learn more about Ingredient Sustainability and other Next Generation Beauty Consumer Trends? Please register now to listen to our free Beauty Forward Summit broadcast between January 29 and 31, 2024. 

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Exosomes: Passing Trend or Transformative Reality?

Exosomes: Passing Trend or Transformative Reality?

Content provided by Naolys | 26-Mar-2024 | White Paper

Exosomes, microscopic vesicles naturally present in abundance within Plant Cells, have garnered significant attention within the scientific and cosmetic...

How Nutricosmetics Can Enhance Skin Beauty

How Nutricosmetics Can Enhance Skin Beauty

Content provided by Activ'Inside | 11-Dec-2023 | White Paper

In the ever-evolving realm of nutricosmetics, where inner wellness meets outer beauty, few natural ingredients have captured the spotlight quite like grapes.

Ultimate Antimicrobial Solution for BPC

Ultimate Antimicrobial Solution for BPC

Content provided by Acme-Hardesty Company | 11-Oct-2023 | White Paper

Sharomix™ EG10, a versatile broad-spectrum antimicrobial liquid blend for preserving personal care products, ensures safety at usage levels ranging from...

Acme-Hardesty Expands Product Line into Canada

Acme-Hardesty Expands Product Line into Canada

Content provided by Acme-Hardesty Company | 07-Jul-2023 | Product Brochure

Acme-Hardesty’s latest expansion into Canada includes Resplanta®, Botaneco®, and BYK from our partners Sharon Personal Care and Eckart Effect Pigments...

Related suppliers