In a move toward sustainability, Danish biotech company Cellugy has teamed up with skin care startup Bioli to launch a line of bio-based products. This collaboration focuses on replacing traditional ingredients with an eco-friendly alternative derived from bio-fabricated cellulose.
Moisture and Protect Day Cream Featuring EcoFlexy
The Moisturizing and Protecting Day Cream reportedly marks the first product to feature Cellugy's EcoFlexy (INCI: Cellulose), a newly developed high-performing and biodegradable rheology modifier. Derived from high-purity crystalline cellulose, the ingredient is produced through Cellugy's fermentation process.
Cellugy adds that while other natural rheology modifiers like xanthan gum are available, they often come with limitations such as undesirable textures and lower efficacy compared to their petrochemical counterparts. Bioli’s decision to incorporate EcoFlexy is reportedly based on the ingredient's ability to provide a superior user experience and high-quality texture without compromising performance.
What's more, the cream:
- Uses 100% biodegradable ingredients and packaging,
- Includes a bioactive enzyme technology for antioxidant protection and
- Is specifically formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin, per the company.
Scale-up and Distribution of EcoFlexy
Moving forward, Cellugy aims to scale-up the production of EcoFLEXY and is said to be in discussions for distribution deals across eleven key cosmetics markets in the EU and the U.S., targeting a full commercial launch in early 2025.
"This product launch is just the beginning, with additional products in the pipeline set to further enhance sustainability in the skin care market," the company stated.
Replacing Fossil Fuels Under Regulatory Constraints
According to the companies, the partnership aims to address the growing concern over fossil-based petrochemicals. This means finding sustainable alternatives that do not compromise quality or customer experience.
Indeed, the European Union is contemplating a complete ban on PFAS (or "forever chemicals") and U.S. agriculture is facing stricter regulations as well.
Isabel Alvarez-Martos, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Cellugy, noted, "... [Cellugy and Bioli] share a common vision for a more sustainable future in skin care. In EcoFLEXY, we’ve developed a solution that’s now ready to be adopted by manufacturers looking for the high-performance of petrochemical rheology modifiers with the sustainability benefits of bio-based options.”
Ingredients: Bioli Moisturizing and Protecting Day Cream: Water (Aqua), Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Laurate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Superoxide Dismutase, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Cellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide.
