One of these is a neurocosmetic ingredient, GlowCytocin, which the business said is “the first skin care ingredient that harnesses the benefits associated with the feeling of being in love.”
The vegan, 99.8%-natural origin ingredient is a blend of glycerin, water and Hyacinthus orientalis (hyacinth) extract derived from the bulbs of white hyacinth, which the firm said is able to activate the oxytocin receptors in the skin to “biomimic many of the beneficial effects of oxytocin” – AKA the love molecule.
Both in vitro and organ-on-a-chip studies have shown that GlowCytocin “increases the proliferation of fibroblasts and sensory neurons, promoting skin rejuvenation and heightening skin receptivity to pleasant tactile sensations.”
The studies show that it also decreases nociceptive nerve sensitivity for a comforting effect.
In a placebo-controlled clinical study of 60 male and female mixed-ethnicity volunteers (aged 18 – 65), twice-daily application of 1% GlowCytocin for 28 days visibly and significantly enhanced the participants’ skin appearance.
Skin luminosity and healthy glow both increased, evaluated by clinical grading and self-evaluation to release the “Love Glow”. Skin elasticity also improved and the number of wrinkles decreased.
In the same clinical study, receptiveness to pleasant sensations of touch was measured by electroencephalogram (EEG) upon a light touch on the forearm.
Thirty minutes after a single product application, this showed a significant increase in frontal cortex activity ( the brain area associated with positive mood states and higher happiness levels).
This was further confirmed with a significant increase in self-reported skin comfort and pleasantness.
While enhancing receptiveness to pleasant sensations, GlowCytocin also significantly decreased capsaicin-induced skin discomfort.
Based on these findings, the company pointed out that the ingredient can also have use in the growing sexual wellness sector, which continues to overlap into the personal care industry.
Head of global marketing, product line management and formulation at Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant, Isabelle Lacasse. said the innovation offers “both immediate and long-term benefits for skin appearance and emotional well-being,” and that it “aligns with the growing consumer demand for multi-functional skincare products that deliver both visible results and positive emotions.”
Scar healing & skin repair
Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant will also launch another ingredient at the In-Cosmetics Global show, Melicica, which it says “boosts and optimises the skin’s natural repair process for all ages, scar types, and skin phototypes.”
The blend of glycerin, water and honey extract is rich in leptosperin, which are bioactive compounds found in specific varieties of Manuka flowers.
The firm said the honey-based ingredient has potential applications in skin repair, scar and acne-prone skin care, tone evening and brightening, texture improvement, baby care, sensitive skin solutions, postprocedure recovery and stretch mark care for any skin tone or type.
Clinical studies have shown it can actively modulate the expression of genes with key roles in the skin repair process, regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, collagen production and keratinocyte migration.
According to Lacasse, Melicica offers numerous skin repair benefits, ranging from reduced scar visibility to improved overall skin appearance.
“Rigorous scientific data shows that this powerful biochemical profile enables Melicica to enhance the skin’s natural repair capabilities,” she shared.
The in vitro studies conducted showed the ingredient’s ability to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and free radicals to tackle inflammation and oxidative stress, enhance skin regeneration by modulating pro-collagen I production, and accelerate re-epithelialisation by stimulating keratinocyte migration.
Ex vivo studies have also “validated Melicica’s capacity to modulate key gene expression across different phases of skin healing, optimizing skin repair and reducing scar appearance,” said the company.
Preservative with 100% Renewable Carbon Index
At In-Cosmetics Global 2025, Clariant will also launch a natural alternative to “controversial” preservatives.
The new innovative Nipaguard SCE Vita has a 100% Renewable Carbon Index and gives antimicrobial protection to personal care formulations and is “designed for formulations without controversial preservatives,” said the company.
Clariant’s portfolio manager for preservation Karolina Scierski said the ingredient “marks a significant step in our broader commitment to address the needs of health- and sustainability- conscious consumers and brands at the same time as creating value for customers with renewable-carbon, high-performance products.”
