Syensqo releases AI-developed scalp active from upcycled coffee grounds
Key takeaways
- Syensqo has debuted an AI-derived scalp care ingredient, Re2 Coffea Arabica Peptide, made from upcycled coffee grounds.
- The ingredient combines sustainability with advanced AI technology to provide scalp hydration, soothing, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- The launch reflects the growing trend of skinification in hair care, addressing consumer needs for multifunctional scalp health solutions.
Syensqo has unveiled an AI-developed scalp care active derived from upcycled coffee grounds. The solution aims to meet the growing consumer demand for scalp hydration and soothing. The specialty chemicals company says the two hair care results are the top benefits sought in scalp care, reflecting the skinification trend in the hair care category.
The Re2 Coffea Arabica Peptide was developed by Bota Biosciences. The solution is part of the two companies’ strategic partnership established in 2025. Bota leveraged its integrated physical AI-driven Biofoundry platform to screen natural coffee proteins and identify the peptide sequences that are most beneficial for scalp health.
The peptides that were identified to have positive effects on the scalp were produced through enzymatic digestion and combined into Re2 Coffea Arabica Peptide. The ingredients’ upcycled coffee grounds are responsibly sourced from a coffee plantation in Pu’er, Yunnan, China.
Syensqo says Re2 Coffea Arabica Peptide’s performance is built into its peptide design. The ingredient delivers scalp benefits such as improved hydration and softness, enhanced barrier function, reduced transepidermal water loss and redness, and anti-inflammatory activity.
“With Re2 Coffea Arabica Peptide, we continue to expand our hair actives portfolio in line with our strategy. This sustainably sourced, AI-developed ingredient delivers multifunctional benefits for scalp health, enabling brands to address multiple consumer needs with a single solution,” says Vincent Miralles, Hair Care Global segment leader at Syensqo.
“It sets a new benchmark for holistic scalp performance that remains unique in today’s market.”
Scalp care takeover
Syensqo says the launch of Re2 Coffea Arabica Peptide marks a step forward in their collaboration and demonstrates the commercial readiness of Bota’s physical-AI-driven Biofoundry platform.
“Together, Sye
Re2 Coffea Arabica Peptide boosts scalp hydration. nsqo, supported by its Renewable Materials & Biotechnology platform, and Bota Biosciences are unlocking new possibilities in the hair and scalp care market through science,” adds the company.
Scalp care has been rapidly gaining traction in the personal care industry. Consumers are increasingly interested in targeted hair and scalp health solutions that contain proven-to-work ingredients.
Personal Care Insights recently spoke to Kristen Chase, general manager of Nutrire, to hear her perspective on the trends shaping the scalp care category and the broader industry shift to better hair health.
“The shift is speeding up because consumers are more educated than ever. They are taking what they learned from skin care and applying it to hair. They understand that healthy skin needs ongoing treatment, not just cleansing and conditioning. Add rising concerns around thinning, shedding, and stress-related changes, and people are looking at the root rather than masking the result,” she told us.
Last month, Creme of Nature introduced a line of Scalp Relief Wipes made of 100% organic argan oil, aloe vera, and witch hazel. The wipes are made with textured hair and sensitive skin in mind and aim to provide an on-the-go solution for scalp comfort.
