In the dietary supplement sector, demands for naturalness, traceability, and efficacy are just as high as in cosmetics. Leveraging its expertise in this field, the Expanscience Group believes it can provide a relevant response to meet the expectations of this rapidly growing market.
"Nutraceutical brands are at the forefront of certifications such as ROC (Regenerative Organic Certified) and Fair for Life, fully aligned with our positioning. For more than 20 years, Expanscience has placed sustainability and transparency at the heart of its mission. As a B Corp-certified company, we remain committed to the highest ethical and environmental standards," notes Armelle Le Péniec, Director of the Cosmetic and Nutraceutical Actives Division at Laboratoires Expanscience.
Tulsinity Bio
To mark the launch of this new catalogue, the company has just launched Tulsinity Bio, an extract of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.), grown according to the principles of regenerative agriculture and bearing ROC and Fair for Life certifications. At the crossroads between beauty and well-being, it has been proven to reduce stress, through cortisol tests, and to benefit the skin by improving the elasticity and density of the skin barrier.
“Developing an active ingredient that addresses both stress and skin health reflects our commitment to holistic solutions—consistent with other cosmetic actives we offer, such as Ayuredi, which is also derived from holy basil,” explains the director.
A ten-year goal
Expanscience’s ambition is to develop a portfolio enriched with one to two new nutraceutical active ingredients per year, with applications extended beyond nutricosmetics to the entire wellness market for dietary supplements, such as menopause, vitality, sleep, etc.
“Our strategy aims to offer a range that complements our cosmetic active ingredients, with a similar model, namely highlighting the effectiveness of our natural ingredients and sourcing guarantees. Our ten-year goal is to achieve a turnover equivalent to that generated by the cosmetic active ingredients business,” adds Armelle Le Péniec.
In addition to Europe, Expanscience is primarily targeting the North American market with the support of its local subsidiary. Asia, which is very interested in this type of product, could also become an area for expansion.
Constraints and investments
For the time being, the company is transferring its expertise to the new constraints of this activity. Plant extraction processes in particular require adaptations due to distinct regulatory constraints.
“The extraction solvents are not the same. Those used in cosmetics are not necessarily authorised in food supplements and vice versa,” explains the director.
“The development of nutraceutical active ingredients requires longer research and development timelines, more expensive clinical studies, and specialized expertise. At this stage, the main investment lies in human and scientific resources, rather than major industrial infrastructure,” concludes Armelle Le Péniec.
The launch of a new nutraceutical active ingredient is already planned for the end of the year, at the Supply Side West trade show in Las Vegas.
