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.
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.
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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...”
