Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Haloderma (High-performing Natural Phytoactive Skincare for Sensitive Skin)
Période du rapport: 2023-06-01 au 2024-05-31
Haloderma is a spinout business from Aalborg University and a cosmetic company utilising new natural functional ingredients based on the founder's decades long experience on biorefinery research and halophyte plants. The company aims to harness the power of plant phytochemicals, namely polyphenols, to improve overall skin health and support the management of common skin issues, such as dryness, itchiness, and eczemas. Polyphenols, which are strong bioactives and antioxidants, are extracted with water using a patent-pending technology to ensure the consistent quality of the extract and the environmental sustainability of the process. The Women TechEU funding has supported Haloderma with the scale-up and commercialisation by allowing the company to further optimize the extract production and quality control methods, validate the extract through dermatological testing, expand the skincare product portfolio, and allow business up-scaling with production trials and stakeholder engagement activities. The project results will help to drive the future technology and product development forward and strengthen Haloderma's operation, company identity, and position in Danish cosmetic sector.
During the project period, Haloderma continued the characterisation of the polyphenol profile of the signature Salicornia extract, and some of the extracted phytochemicals have not been categorised in literature before, making research innovative. The extract optimised for promoting overall skin health was tested for its photostability, photoallergy, and skin compatibility to ensure its safe use in multiple skincare products. The extract was excellently tolerated in various skin types, and a gel serum formulation with 85% Salicornia extract was showed to be suitable for sensitive skin. Indeed, HALODERMA was able to develop formulations for upcoming products, a gel-based serum and a body lotion, and the viability of formulations in production environment was also tested with small batch in collaboration with private-label cosmetics producer. A prototype development was also done to expand Haloderma's product catalogue beyond leave-in products for face and body. All these outcomes support company's position and technology development in knowledge-driven, resource-efficient economy and in the competitive, continuously evolving cosmetics industry.
As a research-based company, Haloderma has a mission to create societal impact for skincare users, especially those experiencing skin issues, which is a niche market often overlooked by larger cosmetic brands. Due to the innovative and optimised technology, Haloderma is able to enter the market as an affordable, middle price-range skincare solution. During the project, the gel-based serum was developed and the formulation was dermatologically tested and excellently tolerated by test subject with sensitive skin. This is the first step to enhance the wellbeing of those with sensitive skin or condition which makes their skin not to tolerate conventional cosmetic formulations. Marketing and commercialisation activities and further stakeholder engagement are needed to ensure the further uptake of the new product. Considering technology development and expanding the portfolio of novel ingredients and products, further research, as well as IRP management, are needed to secure the success of halophyte-based ingredients for cosmetics.
The optimisation of the extract production and ensuring its sustainability allow Haloderma to contribute towards circular, green practises. Company is closely connected to the academic research environment and is a part of an innovation ecosystem rooted in the green transition. Considering environmental impacts, transparency on raw materials sourcing and production of active ingredients, as well as their environmental sustainability, are key values of Haloderma. Haloderma wants to show and example and transparency, allowing consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing cosmetic products. By educating and communicating with stakeholders and potential customers, Haloderma further fosters the consumer empowerment and expects to contribute to changing behavioural consumption towards natural and low-impact cosmetics. To support these activities in the future, product commercialisation, marketing and further financing are needed.
The optimisation of the extract production and ensuring its sustainability allow Haloderma to contribute towards circular, green practises. Company is closely connected to the academic research environment and is a part of an innovation ecosystem rooted in the green transition. Considering environmental impacts, transparency on raw materials sourcing and production of active ingredients, as well as their environmental sustainability, are key values of Haloderma. Haloderma wants to show and example and transparency, allowing consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing cosmetic products. By educating and communicating with stakeholders and potential customers, Haloderma further fosters the consumer empowerment and expects to contribute to changing behavioural consumption towards natural and low-impact cosmetics. To support these activities in the future, product commercialisation, marketing and further financing are needed.