Seppic and Botalys sign development and distribution partnership for new botanical cosmetic ingredients

08 Mar 2023 --- Seppic, a subsidiary of Air Liquide Healthcare, and Botalys, a Belgian start-up specializing in the cultivation of rare and medicinal plants, have signed a research partnership for the co-development of new ingredients for the cosmetics and health markets. 

The partnership also involves distribution contracts in various markets and geographies for Botalys’ Ginseng-based products. The companies highlight a growing demand from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for performance and naturalness.

“This agreement is fully in line with our corporate strategy to develop natural ingredients based on innovative technologies and to distribute exclusive ingredients for the cosmetics and dietary supplements markets, while strengthening our position in the development of new supply chains,” says Hannes Moeller, CEO at Seppic.

Vertically farmed botanicals
In line with the clean label movement, formulations containing potent botanicals with natural positionings are exhibiting growth across the beauty space. Cosmetic scientists have been investigating the skin health benefits of medicinal plants from the Chinese pharmacopeia using artificial intelligence, while in other developments, fungi-based ingredients have proliferated across a swathe of skincare formulations.

Botalys, through an innovative process, has developed a technology of vertical farming, to produce ultra-pure and efficient botanical ingredients.Through an innovative process, Botalys has developed a technology of vertical farming to produce ultra-pure and efficient botanical ingredients.

The company supplies ingredients and medicinal plants to a multitude of clients and partners in the cosmetics, dietary supplements and pharmaceutical industries.

“Our patented and innovative precision farming technology addresses the need for purity, efficacy and security of supply of many rare medicinal plants,” says Pierre-Antoine Mariage, CEO at Botalys.

“This scientific and commercial partnership outlines the huge potential of this technology for the nutraceutical and cosmetic industry.”

This partnership follows the announcement on September 29 by Aliad, the Air Liquide Group’s Venture Capital Fund, of its investment in Botalys, in line with its strategy of taking positions in impact start-ups.

Seppic business highlights
Among recent developments, Seppic expanded its skin-soothing brand Sepibliss with Sepibliss Bio, a certified organic, clean-label virgin coriander seed oil, to address the “50% of the world’s population affected by sensitive skin syndrome.”

Seppic first launched the Sepibliss brand in 2018 to address sensitive skin issues, notably via oral rather than skin application. The company claims the oral route ensures a holistic effect, reaching parts of the body creams cannot, such as the scalp.

In January, at the Cosmet’Agora show, Seppic presented its new collection of seven formulas falling under the “Blue Beauty” movement – based on the interconnection between people and their environment to preserve nature, especially oceans. 

The Blue Beauty products included an oily formula and an anhydrous balm, a powder shower gel and SPF 50 sunscreen with fat-soluble UV filters. They each feature active ingredients sourced in Brittany, France, at the Seppic site in Pontrieux.

By Benjamin Ferrer