Cellugy’s EcoFLEXY at the core of Bioli’s new sustainable high-performing skincare cream

The first commercially available product to include biotechnology startup Cellugy’s newly developed biofabricated cellulose-based ingredient, EcoFLEXY, has been launched in collaboration with biotech skincare company Bioli. Combining efficacy with sustainability, the new product pairs bioactive skincare with 100% biodegradable, fossil-free, biobased ingredients in a high-performance solution with low environmental impact.

Cellugy’s biofabricated cellulose-based material, EcoFLEXY

Danish industrial biotechnology startup Cellugy’s biofabricated cellulose-based material, EcoFLEXY, is making its commercial debut in a new premium, biobased sustainable skincare product. In collaboration with biotech skincare company Bioli, the pair are taking on the challenge of providing more sustainable solutions for the cosmetics and personal care sector, replacing commonly used but polluting and potentially harmful petrochemicals and fossil-based ingredients with high-performing biobased alternatives.

Formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and with the environment in mind, Bioli’s new product; Moisturizing and Protecting Day Cream, is a biotech skincare solution that’s mild yet effective and more sustainable, comprising 100% biodegradable ingredients and packaging. Based on bioactive enzyme technology for antioxidant protection, the product also incorporates Cellugy’s EcoFLEXY as a biobased rheology modifier to achieve a high-quality texture. While most rheology modifiers currently used come from petrochemical sources, EcoFLEXY is a biobased, fully biodegradable alternative made from high-purity, crystalline cellulose derived from the bioconversion of sugar using Cellugy’s first-of-its-kind fermentation platform.

“It’s fantastic to see EcoFLEXY put to use as an ingredient in a commercially available product for the first time. We’re also very happy to support Bioli’s unique concept as we share a common vision for a more sustainable future in skincare,” said Dr. Isabel Alvarez-Martos, CEO and co-founder at Cellugy. “In EcoFLEXY, we’ve developed a solution that’s now ready to be adopted by manufacturers looking for the high-performance of petrochemical rheology modifiers with the sustainability benefits of biobased options.”

Fossil-based petrochemicals are used in a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products due to their desirable functional properties, for example, as rheology modifiers to thicken and stabilize formulations. These are present in over 70% of products on the market. As sustainability regulations tighten, widespread bans on harmful ingredients like microplastics and PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals, are putting the cosmetics industry under pressure to adopt safer alternatives.

Other rheology modifiers, such as xantham gum, are available, but they have limitations, including a sticky and unpleasant feeling texture and lower efficiency than their petrochemical counterparts. As a premium, high-performance product, one of the most critical factors in Bioli’s selection of EcoFLEXY was its ability to provide a superior user experience and sensorial texture without compromising on other performance factors, like the preservation of sensitive active ingredients.

“A key challenge in premium skincare is finding sustainable ingredients that deliver both performance and a superior user experience,” says Aldo Seguel, Chief Science Officer at Bioli. “EcoFLEXY provides that essential high-quality texture and a silky-smooth feel that doesn’t grain up on the skin. It delivers all this while at the same time ensuring our products remain biodegradable and environmentally friendly.”

“In our mission to launch high-quality bioactive products with the lowest possible environmental impact, including biodegradability, we have been searching for the right ingredients. Cellugy aligns perfectly with this,” said Nina Wiberg Rosenquist, CEO of Bioli. “The partnership arose through both companies having offices in the Alfa Laval Innovation House. We immediately saw a shared vision, developed product samples, and quickly established that EcoFLEXY would be a great match for Bioli’s needs. The collaboration also shows that when ambitious, forward-thinking companies come together, how rapidly and agilely we can move from R&D to market-ready products.”

Moisturizing and Protecting Day Cream is the first product in a series, with more to follow soon. The product is available from Bioli’s online web store, with interest from additional retailers, including pharmacies throughout Denmark. Meanwhile, discussions are underway for distribution deals for EcoFLEXY covering eleven key cosmetics markets in the EU and the US. Cellugy now aims to scale up production to commercial volumes and targets a full commercial launch in April 2025 at the In-cosmetics Global exhibition in Amsterdam.

“We’re ready to show the world that it’s possible to meet the strict performance standards demanded in high-end personal care products with biobased, biodegradable ingredients,” Alvarez-Martos concludes. This is only the beginning -  we’re ready and open for new collaborations and eager to explore further applications across the cosmetics and personal care industries.”

More about Cellugi

Cellugy is a biotech startup based in Søborg, Denmark, dedicated to developing natural and high-performing cellulose solutions to reduce the global impact of petrochemical pollution. Founded in 2018, Cellugy’s vision is a future where chemicals are bio-based, biodegradable, and produced using the principles of green chemistry. The company’s innovative platform technology has the potential to revolutionize many petrochemical-dependent industries, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for everyone.

Cellugy has raised over €7M from a combination of VCs, private investors, and public funding. Nine different nationalities represent its diverse team of eleven employees. Backed by more than twenty leading organizations that recognize the transformative potential of its technology, Cellugy is well-positioned to propel a new era of sustainable material science. For more information, visit www.cellugy.com.

More about Bioli

Bioli ApS is a Danish biotech skincare and research company on an impact-driven mission to improve social and environmental sustainability. Founded in 2021, Bioli aims to help those suffering with skin issues while reducing environmental impact in a polluting industry by introducing mild yet effective and more sustainable skincare to the market. bioliskincare.com.