The winners of the in-cosmetics Asia 2025 Awards have just been revealed, celebrating the most innovative cosmetic ingredients launched within the last eight months.
A record-breaking 120 entries were submitted this year, recognising the best new Innovation Zone active and functional ingredients, along with the Spotlight On Formulation Awards judged live at the show.
The judging panel included international cosmetic scientists, R&D leaders and product developers from leading brands, including L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Amorepacific and Paragon Corp. They assessed submissions against criteria of innovation, efficacy, and market relevance.
Active ingredients
In the 2025 Actives category, the Gold Award was presented to ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd. for ArcherZyme, the world’s first clinically validated lysin for body odour control, redefining malodour defence innovation. Clinically proven to deliver rapid, long-lasting freshness at just 0.01%, ArcherZyme offers a sustainable, cruelty-free, and biodegradable alternative to traditional deodorant actives.
Hallstar received the silver award for UBI Oléoactif, which supports skin rejuvenation through a novel biological mechanism acting on ubiquitin - a vital cellular protein. Developed from a birchwood co-product and backed by multi-ethnic clinical studies, UBI Oléoactif represents the first cosmetic active to target ubiquitin for visible improvements in skin vitality and tone.
Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant were recognised with a bronze award for GlowCytocin, which activates oxytocin receptors in the skin, the so-called “love hormone” pathway, to evoke a natural, radiant glow. Powered by 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a neuroprotective compound from Hyacinth bulbs, GlowCytocin brings a patented, neurocosmetic approach that connects emotional pleasure with visible beauty benefits.
Functional ingredients
In the 2025 Functional Category, Gold was granted to Momentive Performance Materials for their Harmonie NatuVel gel. This 100% natural-origin gel network offers formulators a new generation of sensory performance, providing a soft-focus, mattifying effect with a light, cushioned feel. Designed for skincare and colour cosmetics, it enables fully natural formulations without sacrificing performance or luxury texture.
Dow earned the Silver Award for their Dexcare CD-2 Polymer ingredient, which redefines sustainable haircare with a biofermented dextran backbone derived from non-GMO sugarcane. This biodegradable polymer enhances deposition, boosts foaming in sulfate-free systems, and improves wet and dry combing for smoother, more manageable hair.
Bronze was awarded to Hallstar for Olivem Essenza, a naturally derived O/W emulsifier designed for low-viscosity emulsions with a light, hydrating touch. As a biomimetic liquid crystal maker, it delivers hydration and stability while supporting minimalist, sustainable formulation design.
Spotlight On Formulation Awards
Celebrating creativity and scientific excellence in cosmetic biotechnology, the Spotlight On Formulation Gold Award went to Solabia Group for Serenibiome, a double-patented active ingredient based that repairs skin sensitivity and helps break the itch-scratch cycle. Evonik received Silver for X50 NeoSyno-Col, a cutting-edge “Cosmetic Drone” designed to boost skin elasticity, firmness and density through targeted dermal delivery. Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd. took Bronze for Rice Bran Ferment, an upcycled beauty ingredient that harnesses unrefined rice bran to gently cleanse and moisturise the skin while improving smoothness and comfort.
