Our Research & Focus Areas
Nutricosmetics
Supplements to provide cosmetic benefits are becoming very popular. Although this sector has been active since around 2010, consumer buy-in has only really started to take off since around 2020.
The types of cosmetic benefits sought from ingestible products includes:
- Complexion improvement.
- Skin brightening.
- Age spot reduction.
- Reducing the appearance of dark circles.
- Hair condition and reducing hair loss.
- Nail strength and condition.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Due to our team's combined experience in traditional (topical) cosmetic formulation and nutraceutical formulations, we are able to marry the two in order to create high performance products.
Formulation development
We can assist in putting together the ideal formulation to achieve your desired cosmetic benefits. This includes considering key regulatory requirements such as the Novel Foods directive.
Ingredient development
We collaborate with cutting edge active ingredient manufacturers to develop and test new ingredient concepts for Nutricosmetics. By applying 'cosmetic' thinking to the Nutraceutical sector, we can inject much needed innovation!
Efficacy testing support
This is the key to the operation! It is imperative to perform adequate efficacy testing to demonstrate and quantify all desired Nutricosmetic claims. We understand this area and work with market-leading testing companies. Together we can not only advise on the best and most cost-effective options, we can help to develop novel testing opportunities to build IP.
Sourcing and manufacturing
We work with manufacturers of all product formats and can assist in sourcing and moving formulation concepts to a suitable manufacturing home.
Botanical ingredients
We have a research focus on harnessing high value compounds from various species of micro/macroalgae and botanicals. We have in-house growing and extraction systems together with many research partnerships in this area.
- We focus on harnessing high value compounds from botanical and algal species.
- Algae mimic many cellular functions and responses.
- Stress-response and growing conditions can stimulate high value compounds.
- Various botanicals and algae contain high levels of nutrients.
- Algae can be grown in closed conditions with complete sustainability and to achieve the highest levels of purity.
- We use unique ‘green’ extraction systems.
Our interest in various algae spans skincare active ingredients, Omega-3 (alternative to fish oil) and a variety of vitamins.
We have research partnerships and collaborations with Botanical and Algal experts in Asia, Europe, and USA.
Health & Beauty NPD
Development of health & beauty products is where it all started for our team. With 25+ years experience in new product development, we assist brands in the creation of new formulations, and work with partners to develop and test innovative ingredients. There are many ways in which we can help:
- Advice on formulation design and choices of ingredients.
- Formulation development.
- Claims development and substantiation testing support.
- General advisory roles.
- Troubleshooting.
- Technical training.
- Translating scientific data and wording into consumer-friendly output.
We offer advisory and consultancy services to clients ranging from premium indie skincare brands through to multinationals.
Plant-source Nutrients and Vitamins
One of our core research activities is developing plant-sources of Vitamins to replace incumbent animal-origin options.
Chondroitin
A major research project for us was the development of Phytodroitin, which a plant-origin alternative to Chondroitin, a popular nutrient used in Bone and Joint supplements. Chondroitin is sourced from animal origins including shark cartilage, which is absolutely horrific and a fact not widely known among consumers!
- We studied the mucopolysaccharide structure of Chondroitin and explored the significance of its composition including the role of Glucuronic Acid.
- Phytodroitin combines mucopolysaccharide-rich algae with a fermentation-origin polysaccharide comprised of Glucuronic Acid and N-acetylglucosamine
- We worked with Nottingham Trent University to compare the composition and structure of Phytodroitin versus Chondroitin.
- Phytodroitin offers novel opportunities for Vegan and Vegetarian products. It is an ethical alternative to Chondroitin.
The Phytodroitin technology and Intellectual Property is now owned by LPC Group.
Plant-source Nutrients and Vitamins
One of the main focuses in this area is Plant-sources of Vitamin D3. Traditional Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) ingredients available on the market are of animal-origins including animal carcass and sheep wool grease. We work with several partners on the research behind Vegetal Vitamin D3 ingredients.
- Development of Vitamin D3 from algal and plant origins.
- Research into Phytosterol Vitamin D3 technologies.
- We have studied and quantified the bioavailability of plant-sources of Vitamin D3 versus conventional (Lanolin / other animal) sources.
- Development of verification assays to confirm ingredient origins.
We supply various parties with plant-source Vitamin D3 technologies.
Vegan alternatives to Collagen are also a major research focus. We developed Vollagen, a complex of Amino Acids in the same proportion as those found in Collagen. Unlike native Collagen, which can’t be absorbed, Vollagen delivers Amino Acids already isolated and ready for the body to easily absorb. The Phytodroitin technology and Intellectual Property is now owned by LPC Group.
