Wellness Industries

Cosmetics

Advanced cosmetics based on biotechnology, scientific evidence and sustainability

We integrate biotechnology, omics sciences, efficacy studies, advanced formulation and digital technologies to accelerate the development of high-value cosmetic and nutricosmetic products. We support companies throughout the different stages of cosmetic development, from the development and characterisation of bioactive ingredients to functional and clinical validation, incorporating advanced human skin models, the skin microbiome, encapsulation systems and multi-omics analysis.

We focus on developing cosmetic solutions based on scientific evidence, designed to demonstrate efficacy and enhance product differentiation and added value.

Microbiome-based cosmetics and personalisation

Development of new cosmetic solutions based on the microbiome, biological data and advanced personalisation.

  • Microbiota analysis
  • Advanced skin diagnostics
  • Personalised recommendations
  • New functional ingredients
  • Scientific validation of benefits

From formulation to product validation

We support companies throughout the entire cosmetic production process.

  • Experimental design and statistics
  • Simulation and industrial scale-up
  • Chemical modelling and process simulation
  • Sustainability and the circular economy
  • Technology transfer
  • Digital technologies and data analysis
  • Sustainable packaging
  • Functional printing and advanced labelling

Ecosystem and open innovation

Eurecat is a member of the Beauty Cluster, strengthening its connections with the cosmetics innovation ecosystem alongside leading companies in the beauty, dermocosmetics and wellness sectors.

Technological capabilities

Biotechnology applied to cosmetics

Development of innovative active ingredients using sustainable biotechnological processes.

  • Precision fermentation
  • Valorisation of natural resources and by-products
  • Characterisation of plant extracts and functional compounds

Omics sciences and the skin microbiome

Advanced understanding of the biological mechanisms associated with skin health and functionality.

  • Skin and scalp microbiomes
  • Metabolomics and metagenomics
  • Biomarker identification
  • Multi-omics integration
  • Advanced biological data analysis
  • AI applied to omics data

Encapsulation and delivery systems

Advanced technologies to improve the stability, bioavailability and efficacy of cosmetic active ingredients.

  • Active ingredient encapsulation
  • Transdermal delivery systems
  • Development of biomaterials and functional matrices
  • Improved bioavailability and stability

Efficacy studies and skin health

Scientific validation of the efficacy and safety of cosmetic products using advanced models.

  • In vitro and ex vivo models
  • 2D and 3D reconstructed human skin models
  • Models under UV exposure and pathological conditions
  • Assessment of regeneration, inflammation, skin barrier disruption and hyperpigmentation
  • Skin ageing
  • Measurement of biomarkers, including collagen, hyaluronic acid and oxidative stress
  • Safety studies: irritation and corrosion
  • Testing in accordance with OECD Test Guidelines 431 and 439
  • Preclinical assessment of skin tolerance and safety
  • Assessment of skin hydration and elasticity
  • Photoprotection and skin repair models

Sustainable cosmetics and eco-innovation

Solutions designed to reduce environmental impact and optimise processes.

  • Circularity and waste valorisation
  • Eco-formulation
  • Industrial process optimisation
  • Sustainability and regulatory strategies

Advanced cosmetic packaging

Development of sustainable, functional packaging solutions compatible with new cosmetic formulations.

  • Sustainable and recyclable materials
  • Packaging–formulation compatibility
  • Shelf-life and stability studies
  • Innovation in functional packaging
  • Functional printing and advanced labelling

Anna Mas Capdevila

Cosmetics Market Manager

Anna Mas holds a PhD cum laude in Nutrition and Metabolism from Universitat Rovira i Virgili and has an extensive background in applied research, innovation and technology transfer in the healthcare, nutrition and cosmetics sectors. Her expertise focuses on identifying bioactive compounds and developing innovative solutions for disease prevention and health promotion, as well as defining R&D&I strategies aligned with industrial needs.

At Eurecat’s Cosmetics department, she promotes collaboration with companies to accelerate the development and scientific validation of new cosmetic ingredients and products. The department addresses the sector’s challenges in efficacy, safety, sustainability and differentiation by integrating scientific knowledge, advanced technologies and validation capabilities to turn innovation into a competitive advantage.

R&D&I services for cosmetics

Services focused on the development, validation and scale-up of new ingredients, formulations and cosmetic products based on science and advanced technology

Development and characterisation of active ingredients

Production, development and validation of natural and biotechnological active ingredients for cosmetic and nutricosmetic applications.

Ingredient purification and recovery

Technologies for extracting, concentrating, separating and purifying ingredients for cosmetic and nutricosmetic applications.

  • Liquid–liquid and liquid–gas separation
  • Recovery of aromas, fragrances and essential oils
  • Production of natural extracts and temperature-sensitive bioactive compounds
  • Optimisation of extraction processes

Clinical studies and human validation for cosmetics

Conducting clinical trials in accordance with the applicable ethical and regulatory standards for cosmetic products.

  • Clinical trials as a contract research organisation (CRO)
  • Instrumental measurements, including elasticity, wrinkles, hydration and pigmentation
  • Biomarkers in blood and skin
  • Skin and gut microbiota studies

Nutricosmetics and the gut–skin axis

Assessment of the systemic effects of ingredients and bioactive compounds on skin health.

  • Nutritional intervention studies
  • Relationship between gut microbiota and skin
  • Validation of systemic benefits

Sustainability and eco-innovation

Strategies to reduce environmental impact and improve product and process efficiency.

  • Reduction and reuse of water consumption at industrial facilities
  • Wastewater treatment and recirculation
  • Water audits and resource optimisation
  • Removal of microplastics and emerging contaminants
  • Strategies to improve the biodegradability of products and ingredients

Product formulation and development

  • Support for the stability, functionality and scale-up of cosmetic formulations

Digitalisation and personalisation

Digital solutions for diagnostics, personalisation and user experience.

Validation of new nutricosmetic ingredients to improve skin health and appearance

The collaboration between Euromed and Eurecat has demonstrated the potential of Pomanox®, a natural pomegranate extract, to modulate key skin health parameters, including collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, oxidative stress reduction and hyperpigmentation. This potential has been investigated through preclinical studies using human cell models and subsequently validated in clinical studies involving people.

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