Dragon Fruit Stem Cell Active Ignilyte Takes Gold at in-cosmetics Asia

Vytrus Biotech's Ignilyte, a 100% natural active derived from dragon fruit stem cells, won the gold award for active ingredients at in-cosmetics Asia in Bangkok, Thailand. The Spanish raw material supplier's winning entry is designed to reawaken the skin's bioelectrical power for deep regeneration and vitality.

DSM-Firmenich took silver in the actives category for Glycare SK, which translates human milk oligosaccharides (complex sugars found in breast milk) into skin care through precision bio-fermentation, creating a bioidentical ingredient built to help sensitive, stressed skin recover and rebuild resilience. Givaudan secured bronze with PrimalHyal NeuroYouth, a complex combining low molecular weight hyaluronic acid with selected amino acids to activate the skin's neuro-rejuvenation, deliver renewed vitality and restore the skin's sense of touch.

Who won the functional ingredients awards?

Evonik claimed functional-ingredients gold for TEGO Filmstar BST1, a biodegradable film former that improves SPF performance by promoting a more homogeneous distribution of UV filters on the skin.

Dow received silver for Dowsil EL-9400 Hybrid Elastomer Blend, an elastomer gel pairing a silicone elastomer network with a biodegradable carrier — silicone's silky feel with versatile rheology (flow behaviour) for multiple textures.

Gattefossé won bronze for Protecticire MB, a fully natural active texturising ingredient developed with proprietary wax butter technology that creates a soft, imperceptible shield on every hair fibre.

What is new in fragrance and formulation for 2026?

New for 2026, the Fragrance Awards recognised creativity and innovation in scent, spotlighting launches from the new Fragrance Zone's Scent Bar. Only Fragrances won for Scent of You, a floral, musky and creamy scent blending powdery orris and soft skin accords with a heart of vanilla cream, violet and Cashmeran, rounded off with a warm, sensual base of musk, sandalwood and tonka bean.

The Spotlight On Formulation Awards recognised finished formulations demonstrating the possibilities of innovative ingredients:

• Gold — BASF, SPF 50 / PA++++ Moisture Touch Tone-up Sun Lotion, a photostable, octocrylene-free and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate-free O/W (oil-in-water) lotion combining SPF 50 / PA++++ protection with a light sensory profile.
• Silver — DSM-Firmenich, SURPR-Ice BALM: Arctic Multisensory Heat Rescue, a rich balm that transforms into a lightweight serum while delivering immediate cooling relief.
• Bronze — Bloomage, Hymagic-SAHA, pairing salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid for pore minimisation, skin refinement and reduced irritation.

Who are the 9 Faces of the APAC Beauty Industry 2026?

The ceremony, co-created with Personal Care Magazine, also honoured nine individuals shaping the Asia-Pacific personal care industry: Vismay Sharma of L'Oréal, Maria Nohemi Galindo of P&G, Supriya Punyani of Unilever, Weixuan Chan of Kenvue, Xin Sun of Bloomage Biotechnology, Yuvapong Suthinand of Dr.PONG Skin Research Lab, Dr Yong-Ji Chung of Caregen, Dr Jun Tao Xia of BASF and Hyunjong Wi of SKINIDEA.

Sarah Gibson, event director of in-cosmetics Asia, said: "The quality and variety of this year's entries have been fantastic. From breakthrough ingredient technologies to exciting new fragrance creations, the 2026 Awards celebrate the science, creativity and collaboration moving our industry forward."

She added: "By bringing the industry together, in-cosmetics Asia gives these great ideas and innovations a platform to help shape the future of beauty."

With biodegradable film formers, bioidentical oligosaccharides and stem-cell actives topping the podium, the 2026 results signal that bio-based performance claims will anchor formulation briefs across APAC through the coming product cycle.