in-cosmetics Asia 2025 Awards highlight record-breaking year for beauty science

04 NOVEMBER, BANGKOK: The winners of the prestigious in-cosmetics Asia 2025 Awards have just been revealed, celebrating the most innovative cosmetic ingredients launched within the last eight months.

A record-breaking 120 entries were submitted this year, recognising the best new Innovation Zone active and functional ingredients, along with the Spotlight On Formulation Awards judged live at the show.

The judging panel included international cosmetic scientists, R&D leaders and product developers from leading brands, including L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Amorepacific and Paragon Corp. They assessed submissions against criteria of innovation, efficacy, and market relevance.

Celebrating breakthroughs in active ingredients

In the 2025 Actives category, the Gold Award was presented to ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd. for ArcherZyme®, the world’s first clinically validated lysin for body odour control, redefining malodour defence innovation. Clinically proven to deliver rapid, long-lasting freshness at just 0.01%, ArcherZyme® offers a sustainable, cruelty-free, and biodegradable alternative to traditional deodorant actives.

Hallstar received the silver award for UBI Oléoactif®, which supports skin rejuvenation through a novel biological mechanism acting on ubiquitin - a vital cellular protein. Developed from a birchwood co-product and backed by multi-ethnic clinical studies, UBI Oléoactif® represents the first cosmetic active to target ubiquitin for visible improvements in skin vitality and tone.

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant were recognised with a bronze award for GlowCytocin™, which activates oxytocin receptors in the skin, the so-called “love hormone” pathway, to evoke a natural, radiant glow. Powered by 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a neuroprotective compound from Hyacinth bulbs, GlowCytocin™ brings a patented, neurocosmetic approach that connects emotional pleasure with visible beauty benefits.

Innovation in functional ingredients

In the 2025 Functional Category, Gold was granted to MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS for their Harmonie NatuVel gel. This 100% natural-origin gel network offers formulators a new generation of sensory performance, providing a soft-focus, mattifying effect with a light, cushioned feel. Designed for skincare and colour cosmetics, it enables fully natural formulations without sacrificing performance or luxury texture.

Dow earned the Silver Award for their DEXCARE™ CD-2 Polymer ingredient, which redefines sustainable haircare with a biofermented dextran backbone derived from non-GMO sugarcane. This biodegradable polymer enhances deposition, boosts foaming in sulfate-free systems, and improves wet and dry combing for smoother, more manageable hair.

Bronze was awarded to Hallstar for Olivem® Essenza, a naturally derived O/W emulsifier designed for low-viscosity emulsions with a light, hydrating touch. As a biomimetic liquid crystal maker, it delivers hydration and stability while supporting minimalist, sustainable formulation design.

Spotlight On Formulation Awards

This year’s Spotlight On Formulation Awards showcased the most innovative formulations, celebrating creativity and scientific excellence in cosmetic biotechnology. The Gold Award went to Solabia Group for Serenibiome®, a double-patented active ingredient based that repairs skin sensitivity and helps break the itch-scratch cycle. Evonik (Thailand) Ltd. received Silver for X50 NeoSyno-Col®, a cutting-edge “Cosmetic Drone” designed to boost skin elasticity, firmness and density through targeted dermal delivery. Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd. took Bronze for Rice Bran Ferment, an upcycled beauty ingredient that harnesses unrefined rice bran to gently cleanse and moisturise the skin while improving smoothness and comfort.

The Awards ceremony also celebrated the 9 Faces of the APAC Beauty Industry 2025, supported by Personal Care Magazine, which recognises nine exceptional professionals shaping the region’s personal care sector. This year’s winners include Dr Alain Khaiat of SEERS Consulting, Gaurav Datta of Unilever, Hou Juncheng of Proya Cosmetics, Dr Martha Tilaar of Martha Tilaar Group, and Yoshiaki Okabe of Shiseido, among others.

Sarah Gibson, Event Director of in-cosmetics Asia, said: “This year’s Awards truly reflect the extraordinary pace of innovation shaping the beauty and personal care industry across Asia-Pacific. From microbiome-led actives to next-generation biobased polymers, our winners represent the forefront of scientific creativity and sustainability. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements here in Bangkok.”

For more information about in-cosmetics Asia, visit www.in-cosmetics.com/asia