In-cosmetics Asia 2025 organizers unveiled this year’s award winners for the most groundbreaking cosmetic ingredients (see the full list of finalists here). With more than 120 entries, a new record, the competition showcased the latest innovations in beauty science.
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In-cosmetics Asia 2025 organizers unveiled this year’s award winners for the most groundbreaking cosmetic ingredients (see the full list of finalists here). With more than 120 entries, a new record, the competition showcased the latest innovations in beauty science.
Winners: Active Ingredients
The gold award in the actives category went to ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd. for ArcherZyme, reportedly the world’s first clinically validated lysin for body odor control.
Gold: ArcherZyme by ArrowBiome: The gold award in the actives category went to ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd. for ArcherZyme, reportedly the world’s first clinically validated lysin for body odor control. This sustainable, cruelty-free innovation is designed to deliver long-lasting freshness at just 0.01%, setting a new standard in malodor defense.
Silver: UBI Oleactif by Hallstar: Hallstar earned the silver award for its UBI Oléoactif, a skin rejuvenation breakthrough targeting ubiquitin, a vital cellular protein. Developed from birchwood co-products, the active is backed by multi-ethnic clinical studies and offers visible improvements in skin vitality and tone.
Bronze: GlowCytocin by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant: The bronze award was presented to Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant for GlowCytocin, a neurocosmetic that activates oxytocin receptors for a radiant, natural glow. Powered by 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) from hyacinth bulbs, this patented ingredient connects emotional well-being with visible beauty benefits.
Winners: Functional Ingredients
In the functional category, Momentive took the gold for Harmonie NatuVel gel, a 100% natural-origin gel network to deliver a luxurious, mattifying texture for skin care and color cosmetics.
Gold: Harmonie NatuVel gel by Momentive: In the functional category, Momentive Performance Materials took the gold for Harmonie NatuVel gel, a 100% natural-origin gel network designed to deliver a luxurious, mattifying texture for skin care and color cosmetics. This innovation reportedly enables fully natural formulations without compromising performance.
Silver: DexCare CD-2 Polymer, Dow: Dow received the silver award for Dexcare CD-2 Polymer, a biodegradable, biofermented ingredient said to redefine sustainable hair care by enhancing deposition, boosting foaming in sulfate-free systems, and improving hair manageability.
Bronze: Olivem Essenza, Hallstar: The bronze award went to Hallstar for Olivem Essenza, a naturally derived emulsifier to support minimalist, sustainable formulations while delivering hydration and stability in low-viscosity emulsions.
Spotlight On Formulation Awards
The Spotlight On Formulation Awards celebrated creativity in cosmetic biotechnology.
Solabia Group won gold in the Spotlight on Formulation category for Serenibiome, a double-patented active that repairs skin sensitivity and breaks the itch-scratch cycle.
Gold: Serenibiome, Solabia Group: Solabia Group won gold for Serenibiome, a double-patented active that repairs skin sensitivity and breaks the itch-scratch cycle.
Silver: X50 NeoSyno-Col, Evonik Thailand: Evonik (Thailand) Ltd. earned silver for X50 NeoSyno-Col, described as a cosmetic "drone" that enhances skin elasticity and firmness through targeted delivery.
Bronze: Rice Bran Ferment, Ichimaru Pharcos: Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd. secured bronze for its Rice Bran Ferment, an upcycled ingredient that gently cleanses and moisturizes while improving skin smoothness.
9 Faces of APAC Beauty
The ceremony also recognized the 9 Faces of the APAC Beauty Industry 2025, celebrating exceptional professionals shaping the region’s personal care sector. Honorees included:
- Alain Khaiat, Ph.D., (SEERS Consulting),
- Gaurav Datta (Unilever),
- Yoshiaki Okabe (Shiseido),
- Danilo Lambino (Formulae 8),
- Hou Juncheng (Proya Cosmetics),
- Jin-Oh Park (Daebong LS Co., Ltd.),
- Lee Sung Ho, Ph.D. (Sunjin Beauty Science),
- Martha Tilaar, Ph.D. (Martha Tilaar Group) and
- Stacey Fraser (StaceFraser & Co.).
Sarah Gibson, event director of In-cosmetics Asia, remarked: “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 bio-based polymers, our winners represent the forefront of scientific creativity and sustainability...”
