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The Less Glamorous Biotech Opportunity Is the Cleanser Base
Editorial Desk · Ingredient IntelligenceIndustrial fermentation matters when it delivers repeatable functional ingredients at usable scale—not when a retrospective is mistaken for a new plant opening.
rhamnolipidsbiosurfactantsfermentationcleansersevonikOpen → - Ingredients
Glycerin
activeThe most-used humectant in cosmetics globally — and arguably the most under-appreciated. Plant-derived (most modern cosmetic glycerin comes from soy, palm-free coconut, or rapeseed) and biocompatible at virtually any concentration. The 2025 'glycerin maxxing' trend (TikTok-fueled but formulation-real) sees brands increasing glycerin to 5–10%+ in barrier-led serums.
draws water from the dermis and the air to the stratum corneumreinforces NMF and barrier hydrationwell-tolerated across all skin types and ageshydrating serumsmoisturizersOpen → - Ingredients
Phenoxyethanol
preservativeAs a cornerstone of cosmetic preservation, Phenoxyethanol remains central to the ongoing debate between formulation science and 'clean' marketing. Its future relevance lies in consumer education campaigns aimed at demystifying its safety profile and function, pushing back against chemophobia.
Provides broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeasts, and moldsStabilizes product integrity and extends shelf lifeEffective at low concentrations (typically under 1%)Globally approved and well-studied safety profileSerumsOpen → - Ingredients
Water
activeThe universal aqueous vehicle for cosmetic formulations. Functions as solvent, carrier, and primary vehicle for all water-phase ingredients.
Universal solvent for hydrophilic activesPrimary vehicle in aqueous formulationsProvides skin hydration on contactRequired for emulsification of oil-in-water productsVehicle for electrolyte and pH buffer systemsOpen →