in-cosmetics Asia Releases Official Shortlist for the 2023 Innovation Zone Awards

in-cosmetics Asia has announced the official shortlist for this year’s Innovation Zone awards celebrating cosmetic science excellence across the Asia-Pacific region.

20 shortlisted ingredients have been selected by a panel of judges, each with a chance of winning the Innovation Zone Best Active Ingredient and Innovation Zone Best Functional Ingredient awards.

Related: Can AI Make Beauty More Inclusive?

Qualifying ingredients must be brand new or launched within the last eight months and combine iscience and product features that demonstrate substantial benefits to manufacturers and end-users.

The following ingredients have been shortlisted in the Best Active Ingredient category:

• Algativ Collage (INCI: Glycerin (and) Collagen Amino Acids (and) Propanediol (and) Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract) by Algativ: A 2-in-1 firming complex that harnesses the power of vegan, upcycled peptides, standardized in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.
• Col-4-Frag remastered (INCI: Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-47) by LipoTrue: A remastered concept of collagen that acts as a building block and booster for collagen synthesis and tightens the dermis and epidermis while preventing senescence.
• Hairvivine-Pro (INCI: Propanediol (and) Water (Aqua) (and) Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract (and) Citric Acid) by Rahn AG: A water-based extract derived from the seeds of the Styrian pumpkin Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca. It contains valuable nutrients in the form of amino acids and carbohydrates that support the physiological functioning of hair follicles.
• Holobiosys (INCI: Propanediol (and) Water (Aqua) (and) Gentiana Lutea Root Extract (and) Sphingomonas Ferment Extract) by Greentech: A COSMOS-certified organic upcycled active ingredient made from a wild yellow gentian root extract that boosts hyaluronic acid and lipids synthesis, restores skin hydration, and allows the reinforcement of epidermal barrier.
• Immunight (INCI: Triheptanoin (and) Lavandula Hybrida Extract) by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics: A green-processed oil-soluble lavandin extract designed to reduce the effects of poor-quality sleep on skin by boosting nighttime skin recovery and targeting the improvement of sleep quality by inhalation of olfactory compounds.
• Perfeline-Fit (INCI: Water (Aqua) (and) Propanediol (and) Helichrysum Angustifolium Flower Extract (and) Citric Acid) Rahn AG: A water-based extraction of Helichrysum italicum syn angustifolium, chlorogenic acid, and di-O-caffeoylquinic acids to strengthen the micro-vessels in human skin.
• Regenight (INCI: Triheptanoin (and) Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil) by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics: An active ingredient that improves sleep quality while boosting the expression of melatonin pathway genes and antioxidant capacity to improve the skin regeneration process and reduce oxidative stress.
• Regetaste (INCI: Not Provided) by CODIF Technologie Naturelle: An anti-aging epidermal ingredient that improves skin texture and brightness.
• Sagacious (INCI: Propanediol (and) Himanthalia Elongata Extract) by Seppic Asia: A biomimetic anti-ageing active extracted from Himanthalia elongata seaweed providing proven anti-sagging benefits.
• Uplevity e-Lift peptide (INCI: Not Provided) by Lubrizol: A high-performing and sustainable tetrapeptide inspired by microcurrent devices that mimics the benefits of electrical stimulation, such as boosting MBNL1 protein levels, collagen contraction, and mitochondrial function on the skin for an upper face lifted appearance and reduced visibility of wrinkles.

The following ingredients have been shortlisted in the Best Functional Ingredient category:

• Aristoflex Eco T (INCI: Not Provided) by Clariant: A biodegradable ingredient based on renewable sources while providing outstanding rheology, oil & particle stabilization and an excellent skin feel. Aristoflex Eco T was awarded the silver Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Award at in-cosmetics Global 2023.
• Belsil EG 3000 (INCI: Not Provided) by Wacker Chemicals (South Asia): A transparent silicone elastomer gel that offers a pleasant skin feel for use as an additive in products such as moisturising creams, foundations and deodorants.
• Bentone Plus Glow (INCI: Not Provided) by Elementis: A combination of natural ingredients designed to impart rheological control and suspension to the oil phase of cosmetics and skin care products and promote the skin’s barrier function.
• EcoSense APP-1000 Surfactant (INCI: Not Provided) by Dow Company: A nature-derived, high-performance surfactant for use at low levels to boost the performance of other bio-based surfactants enabling naturally derived formulations.
• Emulium Dermolea MB (INCI: Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate (and) Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters) by Gattefossé: A plant-based O/W emulsifier offering a unique lipidic composition rich in sterols and triterpenes to reduce skin stress and bring long-term soothing.
• EverGuard CY (INCI: Capryloyl Glycine) by Sino Lion USA: A broad-spectrum preservative ideal for use in a wide range of personal care and cosmetic applications including creams, lotions, facial masks, sunscreens, wipes, and more.
• NatPro 8000 (INCI: Not Provided) by Chemrez Technologies: A revolutionary, natural broad-spectrum preservative and antimicrobial active, expertly formulated from sustainably sourced coconuts.
• Softisan MagicPowder S (INCI: Not Provided) by IOI Oleo: Cold-processable transforming ingredient allowing simple powder-to-emulsion on-the-go formulas with soft after-feel. 
• Tinomax CC (INCI: Not Provided) by BASF: A functionalized, natural-based particle suitable for completely eco-friendly systems providing sunscreen improved performance for SPF and UVAA.
• TMS-T05DCB/TMS-T10DCB (INCI: Not Provided) by Tayca Corporation: To be launched at-show.

Skin care products top the list for the greatest number of entries, closely followed by hair care and sun care. Skin care submissions featured a wide range of active ingredients and green solutions that cater to the diverse needs of consumers across the region.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 8 during the awards ceremony at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).