The In-Cosmetics Asia 2024 Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Awards winners were announced during a ceremony in Bangkok. A record 100 ingredients entered the Innovation Zone this year.

The awards recognize the best ingredients launched within eight months of the show, selected by a panel of international experts from L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble, Amorepacific, Godrej Consumer Products, and more. The ceremony also announced the winners of the Spotlight On Formulation Award.

“The industry is constantly finding new ways to innovate and build on its advancements, discovering amazing solutions and generating fresh ideas,” said Sarah Gibson, event director, In-Cosmetics Asia. This year’s awards were particularly challenging to judge, and we are incredibly proud of what the industry has accomplished. A big congratulations to the winners, and to the 9 Faces of the APAC Beauty Industry, who reached significant milestones in their careers and, as a result, positively impacted the wider industry. Everyone should be very proud of their achievements.”

Active Ingredient Category Winners

In the 2024 Actives Category, the Gold award was presented to Givaudan Active Beauty for Neuroglow, an ingredient that replicates the sun’s benefits, sourced sustainably from Persicaria tinctoria in Provence, France. The active stimulates melanin and boosts well-being molecules like beta-endorphin, vitamin D and oxytocin, enhancing mood and skin health.

Vytrus Biotech earned the Silver award for Baolift, a 100% natural ingredient that simulates physical exercise for facial skin by activating the “exercise secretome,” a coordinated molecular response linked to improved muscle tone and skin resilience. The Fit-Skin solution, derived from African baobab stem cells, enhances skin vitality and firmness, leveraging the baobab’s strength, longevity and nutritional richness.

The Bronze award was given to Codif TN for Pantodium Cica, an organic, fermented seaweed extract developed to support epidermal regeneration. Through algae fermentation, the ingredient encourages the skin’s microbiota to produce natural vitamin B5, aiding hydration, reducing redness and promoting skin repair.

Functional Ingredient Category Winners

In the 2024 Functional Category, Gold was awarded to Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant for Pickmulse, a surfactant-free emulsifier with a powdery-soft touch that facilitates the formulation of Pickering emulsions. Pickmulse features customizable capsules for protecting lipophilic ingredients, enhancing sensory feel, and offering formulators a 2-in-1 solution that balances formula, skin and mind.

Wilmar took home Silver for Wilsol SPF Booster, a plant-based, biodegradable SPF enhancer that improves the effectiveness of organic and inorganic sunscreens. The multifunctional polymer optimizes UV filter usage, boosting SPF performance by up to threefold while ensuring a smooth, non-tacky and lightweight feel on the skin.

Bronze was presented to IOI Oleo GmbH for Dynasan CrystalControl L, a polymorphic-free ester derived from polyglycerol and stearic acid. The ingredient combats “blooming,” a phenomenon in lipid-based, anhydrous systems where solid components change their crystalline structure, leading to visible white spots on the product’s surface.

The ceremony also awarded the winners of the 9 Faces of the APAC Beauty Industry 2024, an initiative celebrating innovators, changemakers, and unsung heroes whose contributions have shaped the region’s personal care industry.

The 9 Faces of the APAC Beauty Industry recognize nine experts who have made significant contributions to the industry. Honorees include:

• Andrea Taimana, founder & chief science officer, Organic Bioactives

• Dr. Bhuvana Kannan, director, Hyperganic Biogroup

• Marina Fu, senior formulation manager, Givaudan

• Dr Mediana Hadiwidjaja, president, Infinisia Sumber Semesta

• Ruhee M. Bindra, founder, Japanese Luxe Artisanal Skin & Hair Care Cosmetics

• Tin Nguyen, product development director, Cocoon Vietnam & Nature Story

• Tomas Tappin, co-founder, Two Dudes

•Dr. Ruiyan Wang, raw material R&D center general manager, Bloomage

• Dr. Yonit Bomstein, co-founder, Green Mountain Biotech