The champions of the in-cosmetics Asia 2025 Prizes have been declared, honouring the most groundbreaking cosmetic components presented in the past eight months.
An unprecedented 120 submissions were received this year, celebrating the top novel Innovation Zone dynamic and operative ingredients, along with the Spotlight On Formulation Awards evaluated live at the event.
The judging body featured global cosmetic experts, R&D heads, and product innovators from leading companies, such as L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Amorepacific, and Paragon Corp. They examined entries based on criteria of novelty, effectiveness, and relevance to the market.
Active ingredients
In the 2025 Actives grouping, the top prize went to ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd. for ArcherZyme, the foremost clinically verified lysin worldwide for scent management, revolutionising odour prevention technology. Shown to provide quick, enduring freshness with only 0.01%, ArcherZyme delivers a sustainable, cruelty-free, and biodegradable choice to common deodorant actives.
Hallstar took home the silver prize for UBI Oléoactif, which encourages skin revival via an inventive biological process impacting ubiquitin – a key cell protein. Created using a birchwood by-product and supported by diverse ethnic clinical studies, UBI Oléoactif is the first cosmetic active aiming at ubiquitin for clear gains in skin health and tone.
Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant attained a bronze prize for GlowCytocin, which triggers oxytocin receptors within the skin, the popular “love hormone” pathway, to stimulate a natural, vibrant radiance. Driven by 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a neuroprotective element from Hyacinth bulbs, GlowCytocin introduces a patented, neurocosmetic method connecting emotional well-being with visible beauty results.
Functional ingredients
Within the 2025 Functional Category, the highest honour went to Momentive Performance Materials for their Harmonie NatuVel gel. This all-natural gel framework provides developers with a next-generation of sensory impact, yielding a subtle, mattifying effect alongside a feather-light, cushioned sensation. Created for skincare and colour cosmetics, it makes possible entirely natural formulations without losing efficacy or luxurious feel.
Dow secured the Silver Award for their Dexcare CD-2 Polymer ingredient, which changes sustainable haircare through a biofermented dextran structure sourced from non-GMO sugarcane. This eco-friendly polymer enhances deposition, improves foaming in sulfate-free setups, and betters wet and dry combing for smoother, more manageable locks.
Bronze was presented to Hallstar for Olivem Essenza, a naturally derived O/W emulsifier crafted for low-thickness emulsions featuring a sheer, hydrating touch. As a biomimetic liquid crystal creator, it gives hydration and stability while backing minimalist, sustainable formulation plans.
Spotlight On Formulation Awards
Celebrating ingenuity and scientific prowess within cosmetic biotechnology, the Spotlight On Formulation Gold Prize was awarded to Solabia Group for Serenibiome, a double-patented active ingredient focused on fixing skin sensitivity and aiding in stopping the itch-scratch sequence. Evonik was granted Silver for X50 NeoSyno-Col, a leading-edge “Cosmetic Drone” engineered to increase skin suppleness, strength, and density through focused dermal conveyance. Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd. accepted Bronze for Rice Bran Ferment, a repurposed beauty component that utilises unrefined rice bran to lightly purify and hydrate the skin whilst refining smoothness and comfort.
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