in-cosmetics Asia 2023 Reveals Finalists for Prestigious Innovation Zone Awards

in-cosmetics Asia is proud to announce the official shortlist for this year's coveted Innovation Zone Awards, recognizing excellence in cosmetic science across the Asia-Pacific region.

A panel of distinguished judges has selected 20 shortlisted ingredients, each vying for the prestigious titles of Innovation Zone Best Active Ingredient and Innovation Zone Best Functional Ingredient.

Reflecting the latest trends in the Asian personal care market, skincare products dominate the shortlist, closely followed by hair care and sun care. The skincare submissions showcase a wide array of innovative active ingredients and eco-friendly solutions designed to meet the diverse and evolving needs of consumers across the region.

Best Active Ingredient Category

Contenders in this category must be brand new or launched within the last eight months, combining cutting-edge science and product features that offer substantial benefits to both manufacturers and end-users.

The winners will be unveiled on Wednesday, November 8th, at the awards ceremony held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

Here are the shortlisted ingredients for the Best Active Ingredient category:

1. ALGAKTIV® Collage by ALGAKTIV: A 2-in-1 firming complex harnessing the power of vegan, upcycled peptides in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

2. Col-4-Frag remastered™ by LipoTrue: A remastered concept of collagen that acts as a building block for collagen synthesis, enhancing dermal and epidermal tightening while preventing senescence.

3. HAIRVIVINE®-PRO by RAHN AG: A water-based extract derived from Styrian pumpkin seeds, rich in amino acids and carbohydrates, supporting the physiological functioning of hair follicles.

4. HOLOBIOSYS® by GREENTECH: A COSMOS-certified organic upcycled active ingredient made from wild yellow gentian root extract, promoting hyaluronic acid and lipid synthesis, restoring skin hydration, and reinforcing the epidermal barrier.

5. Immunight™ by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics: A green-processed oil-soluble lavandin extract designed to mitigate the effects of poor-quality sleep on skin, enhancing nighttime skin recovery and sleep quality.

6. PERFELINE®-FIT by RAHN AG: A water-based extraction of Helichrysum italicum syn angustifolium, chlorogenic acid, and di-O-caffeoylquinic acids that strengthens micro-vessels in human skin.

7. Regenight™ by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics: An active ingredient improving sleep quality, boosting melatonin pathway genes, enhancing antioxidant capacity, skin regeneration, and reducing oxidative stress.

8. REGETASTE by CODIF Technologie Naturelle: An anti-aging epidermal ingredient improving skin texture and brightness.

9. SAGACIOUS™ by Seppic Asia: A biomimetic anti-aging active extracted from Himanthalia elongata seaweed providing anti-sagging benefits.

10. Uplevity™ e-Lift peptide by Lubrizol: A sustainable tetrapeptide mimicking the effects of electrical stimulation, elevating MBNL1 protein levels, collagen contraction, and mitochondrial function for a lifted upper face appearance and reduced wrinkles.

Best Functional Ingredient Category

The following ingredients are shortlisted in the Best Functional Ingredient category:

1. Aristoflex Eco T by Clariant: A biodegradable ingredient based on renewable sources, offering exceptional rheology, oil & particle stabilization, and a pleasing skin feel.

2. BELSIL® EG 3000 by WACKER CHEMICALS (SOUTH ASIA): A transparent silicone elastomer gel providing a delightful skin feel for products like moisturizing creams, foundations, and deodorants.

3. BENTONE® PLUS GLOW by Elementis: A blend of natural ingredients designed to enhance the rheological properties and suspension in cosmetics and skincare products, promoting skin barrier function.

4. EcoSense™ APP-1000 Surfactant by Dow Company: A nature-derived, high-performance surfactant enhancing the performance of other bio-based surfactants in naturally derived formulations.

5. Emulium Dermolea MB by Gattefossé: A plant-based O/W emulsifier featuring a unique lipidic composition rich in sterols and triterpenes, soothing the skin and reducing stress.

6. EverGuard™ CY by Sino Lion USA: A broad-spectrum preservative suitable for a wide range of personal care and cosmetic applications, including creams, lotions, facial masks, sunscreens, wipes, and more.

7. NatPro 8000 by Natura AeropackChemrez Technologies: A revolutionary natural broad-spectrum preservative and antimicrobial active, expertly crafted from sustainably sourced coconuts.

8. SOFTISAN® MagicPOWDER S by IOI Oleo: A water-resistant and waterbinding vegan film-former providing caring smooth sensoriality and a protective barrier effect in safe formulas.

9. Tinomax™ CC by BASF: A functionalized, natural-based particle suitable for eco-friendly systems, improving sunscreen performance for SPF and UVAA.

10. TMS-T05DCB/TMS-T10DCB by TAYCA CORPORATION: To be introduced at the show.

Esteemed Judging Panel

This year's esteemed judging panel includes:

1. Dr. Awanthi De Silva, senior R&D/regulatory compliance lead, Moorebank Aerosols

2. Dr. Jaesung Hwang, professor, KyungHee University

3. Dr. Joonho Choi, chief researcher, Amorepacific

4. Dr. Kilala Tilaar, CEO, Martha Tilaar Group

5. Dr. Oliver Hofmann, in-cosmetics Asia official technical advisor and technical director, Shieling Laboratories

6. Faiza Hussain, co-founder and head of innovation, Younger Inc.

7. John Jimenez, senior researcher, Belcorp

8. Merve Samur, director, The INCI Lab

9. Mike Sohn, general manager, REACH24H Consulting Group

10. Muriel Pujos, technical and scientific director Skin Care, Coty Monaco

11. Ranelle Anderson, technical director, Ausmetix Pty Ltd.

12. Stacey Fraser (DipFormChem), Personal Care Product Design consultant, Stacey Fraser.co

13. Yvette Ishac, head of R&D, IconsIRauxel

14. Belinda Carli, director/cosmetic chemist, The Institute of Personal Care Science