Synthetic alternatives: Active Concepts debuts alfalfa peptide, natural antimicrobial and upcycled jackfruit ingredients

03 Oct 2023 --- Functional personal care ingredients supplier Active Concepts has revealed skin care ingredient solutions from its innovation pipeline – including sulfur-rich alfalfa, multifunctional antimicrobial and upcycled jackfruit in men’s care solutions derived from the “ancient vitality of Mayan culture.” The releases come alongside an expanded collaboration for raw materials research and sourcing. 

Among its newest solutions launches, Active Concepts has introduced AC AlfalfaBoost. The natural botanical extract derived from alfalfa targets vibrant, luscious hair, along with thicker lashes and a nourished scalp.

“Extensive research conducted by scientists has shown that the use of common hair care products containing parabens, formaldehyde and other synthetic ingredients can have detrimental effects on hair health and overall well-being,” highlights the producer

“Additionally, studies have revealed that a significant number of individuals face challenges growing their hair beyond a certain length due to shorter anagen phases.”

Recognizing the need for a natural alternative, Active Concepts delved into the world of hair growth research and discovered the remarkable benefits of sulfur. Sulfur has been shown to extend the growth phase of hair, increase hair strength and boost elasticity. 

Active Concepts unveiled the Bold & Bearded range of product application samples, made with upcycled jackfruit and chia seeds.Botanical sulfur for hair growth
With this knowledge, Active Concepts embarked to find a botanical source of sulfur that could offer additional personal care benefits. The answer came in the form of alfalfa, a plant that has been cultivated for centuries as livestock feed due to its superior content in vitamins, minerals and protein. 

“Alfalfa possesses the unique ability to regenerate new stems and leaves within a single growing season,” highlights Active Concepts. “What sets it apart is its high sulfur content and rich phytocompounds, making it an ideal choice for hair and scalp nourishment. Sustainably cell-culturing alfalfa seeds in sulfur-supplemented media, Active Concepts has enhanced the content of sulfur-rich peptides.”

This ensures that this aqueous extraction contains a boost of natural sulfur-rich peptides that utilizes innovative peptide technology for greater bioavailability and more efficient uptake of nutrients to encourage hair density, nourish the scalp and provide antioxidant protection.

AC AlfalfaBoost offers versatile applications, extending its benefits beyond hair care, notes the supplier. It can be incorporated into eyelash products, allowing consumers to achieve thicker, fuller lashes. Moreover, it provides antioxidant benefits when integrated into scalp care applications, ensuring a nourished and healthy foundation for hair growth. 

Active Concepts highlights it responsibly harnesses the nutrient-rich properties of alfalfa by cultivating seeds in cell culture, minimizing the need for crop replantation. The lab grown alfalfa used in AC AlfalfaBoost is harvested in a single growing season, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting transparency throughout the manufacturing process. 

“With its unique sulfur-rich peptides and nourishing properties, AC AlfalfaBoost enables individuals to embrace the power of nature and achieve their desired hair and beauty goals while upholding environmental responsibility,” says Morgan Drohan, technical marketing at Active Concepts.

Men’s care formulated with ancient Mayan knowledge
In other latest launches, Active Concepts unveiled the Bold & Bearded range of product application samples, made with natural hero ingredients: upcycled jackfruit (branded AC PolyJackharides – a water and Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit extract) and chia seeds (branded Phytofuse Rejuvenate – Salvia hispanica seed extract). 

“This fusion not only symbolizes transformation but also draws from the ancient vitality of Mayan culture, infusing products with the ability to rejuvenate and fortify skin and hair,” details the supplier.

Understanding that men’s skin holds distinctive traits, Bold & Bearded tailors its solutions to accommodate the thickness, oiliness and hydration retention driven by higher testosterone levels.

The Bold & Bearded kit comprises four products tailored to address men’s unique needs. The first is the “Buff It Up Scrub,” designed to reveal radiant skin with a dual-action formula that gently exfoliates, revealing softness beneath.

The “Rid of Redness Moisturizer” in the line counteracts redness with a green-tinted moisturizer that soothes and neutralizes, leaving skin calm and balanced.

In addition, the “Miracle Mane Balm” is a buttery balm for taming beards, while the “Gentle Texture Hair Hold” maintains a delicate hair hold, enhanced by a matte finish, for a refined and natural look.

“Our concepts are designed to spark transformative impact in consumers’ lives. The launch of Bold & Bearded underscores our commitment to addressing the dynamic needs of today’s modern man,” says Drohan.

In collaboration with packaging experts Meiyume, Active Concepts presented its Bold & Bearded products with packaging sporting a sleek black and white palette.

Active Concepts touts alfalfa as a rich botanical source of sulphur for hair and scalp nourishment.Natural antimicrobial science
Responding to this growing preference for natural alternatives, Active Concepts’ sister company Active Micro Technologies has launched Leucidal SF Max Powder, a natural antimicrobial that provides broad spectrum protection while delivering primary skin care benefits.

“Synthetic preservatives have long been a staple in cosmetic formulations, but the tides have turned,” states the supplier. “Consumers are seeking formulations that prioritize their well-being and the environment. This has prompted formulators to seek effective alternatives that offer both antimicrobial properties and are derived from naturally occurring compounds.”

As a powdered version of the Leucidal SF Max, Leucidal SF Max Powder boasts “five times the potency of the original,” making it more effective and concentrated. “This remarkable enhancement allows formulators to save valuable time while simultaneously benefiting from its powerful antimicrobial and preserving capabilities,” notes its producer.

“With this powerful powdered version, we aim to revolutionize personal care formulations and provide our customers with top-of-the-line products,” says Drohan.

Leucidal SF Max Powder is suitable for a wide range of personal care applications, including but not limited to creams, lotions, serums and masks. Its easy incorporation into formulations ensures a “hassle-free effective enhancement” of products, touts its supplier.

Sourcing and distribution advances
In a new partnership, specialty personal care ingredients supplier Black Label Ingredients (BLI) is combining its own expertise in sourcing and distributing premium personal care ingredients with Active Concepts’ raw material research and development capabilities.

“We are thrilled to reunite with Active Concepts and continue the journey that has brought us nearly two decades of success,” says Jason Blackerby, president and founder of BLI. “It’s an honor to represent such a premier ingredient and product manufacturer in the personal care industry. The BLI team is excited about our future, and we believe significant growth opportunities lie ahead with this collaboration.”

Each with decades of experience in the personal care ingredient market, the collaboration between Black Label Ingredients and Active Concepts aims to provide excellent service and ingredient technology to their customers.

“Active Concepts is thrilled to collaborate with BLI as our Texas distributor,” affirms Susanne Malmstrom, executive VP at Active Concepts. “Our combined strengths are certain to enable us to provide top-tier personal care ingredients and solutions to our valued customers. We eagerly anticipate many years of successful teamwork.”

Edited by Benjamin Ferrer