¡Hola, beauty lovers and eco-warriors! 🌿✨ Imagine a skincare routine powered by nature and backed by science. Researchers at Finland's VTT Technical Research Centre, together with EU partners, have just unlocked a new batch of plant-based ingredients that could transform sustainable cosmetics.
Under the EU's InnCoCells project—a four-and-a-half-year collaboration with 17 partners from 11 countries—scientists screened over 100 plant extracts against 20 skin biomarkers linked to inflammation and ageing. The result? Around 25 superstar extracts made the cut for further development.
What makes this research stand out is its holistic approach. Instead of isolating single compounds, the team looked at the full extract, finding multi-tasking ingredients that can be produced in greenhouses, bioreactors, or even sourced from agricultural by-products—talk about turning farm leftovers into beauty gold! 😎💚
Here are some of the top picks:
- Cochlearia danica (Danish scurvygrass): Combines anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, and antimicrobial powers.
- Capsicum chinense (tropical pepper): Battles harmful bacteria without irritating the skin.
- Hairy roots of Ocimum basilicum (basil): Fights skin ageing while locking in hydration.
Kirsi-Marja Oksman-Caldentey, project coordinator at VTT, says these bio-based ingredients marry proven skin benefits with eco-friendly production, paving the way for the next generation of green beauty products 🌱💫. With a €7.9 million boost from Horizon 2020, the team is already exploring business models to bring these extracts to your favorite skincare lines.
Get ready for a beauty glow-up that's as good for your skin as it is for our planet!
Reference(s):
Researchers find new plant-based ingredients for sustainable cosmetics
cgtn.com
