Solvay has finalized an exclusive agreement with French biotech producer Deinove SA to commercialize ReGeN-oPhyt, a novel, natural active ingredient for skin-care products in North America and Asia. 

ReGeN-oPhyt is derived from phytoene, a colorless carotenoid used as a cutting-edge skin-care active to deliver antioxidant/anti-aging properties. ReGeN-oPhyt was developed using a state-of-the-art biotechnology platform based on the fermentation of natural sugars by extremophilic Deinococcus bacterium.  

Extensive efficacy studies of phytoene on the skin show visible anti-aging benefits, enhanced skin regeneration and targeted anti-oxidant protection.

“We are excited to announce this launch and partnership, which illustrates our commitment to the open innovation model that supports our growth strategy in the personal care/consumer health segment. Skin-care consumers are always looking for safe, effective, unique and natural ingredients and we see great opportunity in innovative bioactives like ReGeN-oPhyt,” said Sonia Renac, Global Vice President, Home and Personal Care for Solvay Novecare. “This venture also signals the beginning of future collaborations between our two companies.”

Carotenoids are naturally occurring substances that fight oxidative stress in skin cells. Until now, nutrition was the only recognized logical source of phytoene for consumers. However, due to extreme variations in purity and color, its use at effective levels in skin-care products has been severely limited until now.

Today, with Deinove’s proprietary fermentation and purification technology – the first and only industrial-scale process capable of producing 100 percent pure phytoene – it is now possible to incorporate this active ingredient at highly effective dosages in skin-care products. 

“We are delighted that Solvay acknowledges the uniqueness of our technology and integrates our phytoene in their skin-care actives portfolio. We are confident that Solvay Novecare’s intimate knowledge of the cosmetic markets will greatly contribute to making phytoene a best-seller,” added Emmanuel Petiot, CEO of Deinove.