Sensient Acquires White Biotech Expert Biolie to Expand Active Color Offerings

The news of the acquisition follows Biolie’s successful product launches showcased at Cosmet’Agora in January 2025, including an SPF-booster from pomelo.
The news of the acquisition follows Biolie’s successful product launches showcased at Cosmet’Agora in January 2025, including an SPF-booster from pomelo.
Image by wasanajai at Adobe Stock

Sensient Technologies Corp., a global supplier for color and personal care applications, has acquired Biolie, a French manufacturer specializing in white biotechnology and natural ingredient extraction. The acquisition, completed on Feb. 14, 2025, will strengthen Sensient’s active color portfolio and manufacturing capabilities.

According to Sensient, Biolie’s patented, solvent-free enzymatic extraction process for creating natural ingredients uniquely complements Sensient Beauty's expertise. As a global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and other specialty ingredients, Sensient uses advanced technologies and robust global supply chain capabilities to develop specialized solutions.

Natural and Sustainable Colors and Actives

“We are thrilled about the strategic fit between our companies, affirming our global leadership position in supplying natural, sustainable actives and colors to the personal care industry,” said Mike Geraghty, president of Sensient Colors.

Gaelle Frere, Sensient Beauty’s global general manager, further emphasized, “This acquisition unlocks exciting opportunities by providing us access to Biolie’s biotechnological innovations, enhancing our ability to deliver cutting-edge ingredients to customers."  

Nicolas Attenot, founder and president of Biolie, added, “Sensient will bring Biolie’s upcycled naturals to brands worldwide, delivering innovative technologies and custom solutions.”  Biolie’s capabilities reportedly align seamlessly with Sensient’s operations at its beauty headquarters and principal production facility in Saint Ouen l’Aumone, France.

Biolie Highlights Paradisyl, Garnet Red at Cosmet’Agora 2025  

The news of the acquisition follows Biolie’s successful product launches showcased at Cosmet’Agora in January 2025, including two innovative cosmetic ingredients.    

Paradisyl (INCI: Water (Aqua), Propanediol (and) Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract) is a pomelo extract developed through Biolie’s eco-friendly enzymatic process. It functions as a natural SPF booster, demonstrated to elevate SPF 20 formulations by 30% with just 2% usage.  

Alongside its SPF-boosting properties, Paradisyl is said to exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging capabilities, reducing redness by 50% within one application day and preserving collagen through collagenase inhibition.  

Ideal applications include:

  • sunscreen,
  • anti-fatigue facial care and
  • soothing after-sun lotions.  

Garnet Red (INCI: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (and) Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract) is a natural red-colored oil derived from alkanet root in sunflower seed oil. Boasting an ORAC score equivalent to 1,777 μmol of trolox per 100 g, it delivers potent antioxidant properties.  

The ingredient is said to help prevent skin aging and wrinkles by inhibiting elastase activity, maintaining elastin’s functionality in the skin.  

It is suitable for use in:

  • hydrating skin care,
  • anti-aging serums and
  • cosmetic formulations requiring natural pigmentation.  

Elevating Science-driven Beauty Solutions  

The integration of Biolie's technologies reportedly strengthens Sensient's commitment to natural, eco-conscious innovation. Together, the two companies aim to redefine standards in active colors and sustainable personal care solutions, providing formulators with powerful tools to meet consumer demands.  

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