L’Oréal expands biomaterials partnership with Symatese for reconstructed human tissue

01 Nov 2021 --- L’Oréal and Symatese are further expanding their partnership on biomaterials designed for the creation of reconstructed human tissue for skin regeneration processes. The tissues have become a reference in the field of biomedical research, as well as a vital tool for several industries as reliable non-animal evaluation methods for ingredient and product testing.

The move further strengthens their existing partnership, and the two will have a long-term R&D agreement within biomaterials.

“The collaboration supports the exploration of new horizons for research and innovation, intending to offer men and women around the world improved product performance with our beauty and skincare offering,” says Barbara Lavernos, deputy CEO in charge of Research, Innovation and Technology at L’Oréal Group.

Scientific advances and innovative products are expected from this collaboration, notes Jean-Paul Gérardin, CEO of Symatese Group.

“L’Oréal has expertise in the field of skin physiology, clinical performance markers and alternative assessment methods that match our knowledge in the design and industrialization of biomaterials,” he says.

Transforming biopolymers
Symatese has technological platforms that extract and transform biopolymers – natural polymers produced by the cells of living organisms – for multiple therapeutic indications.

Episkin – a subsidiary of the L’Oréal group – a producer of reconstructed human tissues, has benefitted from the know-how developed previously with Symatese.Reconstructed tissues can be used as a non-animal evaluation method for ingredient and product testing.

Together, the companies will combine their respective expertise to explore scientific perspectives in this field. The partnership builds on the close collaboration between the two companies during the past two decades.

Taking a closer look at biomaterials, PersonalCareInsights previously reported on Sulapac, an alternative plastics company, on the issues found in cosmetic packaging when it comes to sustainability. Sulapac uses biomaterials to provide functional packaging for the cosmetics category.

L’Oréal’s growth this year as the company reported its achievement in reaching carbon neutrality for scopes one and two emissions in its 25 US sites. The company also had a 29.7% rise in e-commerce which supported its 18% rise in sales.

The L’Oréal Groupe also released a global model for fragrance ingredients disclosure to enhance ingredient transparency as consumers have clear information available.

Skin regeneration space heats up
As the skin care industry continues to advance, industry players are finding innovative ways to rejuvenate skin.

Last week, wellness company Neurohacker Collective released Qualia Skin, a supplement that addresses skincare from the “inside out” and features AstaPure astaxanthin, an antioxidant that supports collagen regeneration.

Meanwhile, Givaudan Active Beauty launched Sericoside, an active botanical ingredient that boosts skin’s cellular programming and enhances healthy aging.

By Nicole Kerr