Cover In 2025, advances in biotechnology and the rising promise of lab-developed innovations are challenging long-held ideals, prompting us to re-examine what sustainability in beauty truly means
In 2025, advances in biotechnology and the rising promise of lab-developed innovations are challenging long-held ideals, prompting us to re-examine what sustainability in beauty truly means
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Traditional beauty ideals have long favoured nature as the safest and most sustainable route. In 2025, with biotechnology offering significant benefits for both humans and the planet, we may need to redefine how we view the future of sustainable beauty.
Throughout history, natural beauty has been a timeless aspiration. From herbs and minerals to ancestral care rituals passed down over generations, nature has been upheld as the benchmark of safety and sustainability. But in this era of rapid scientific advancement, a pressing question emerges: Is nature still the ultimate “gold standard” for a sustainable beauty industry?
As lab-grown ingredients prove not only highly effective but also gentler on the planet, the time has come to reassess what we mean by “natural” and “sustainable” in today’s beauty world.
Not all artificial things are inferior to the natural
Hybridisation, breeding and replication are no longer confined to science fiction. These practices now form the backbone of innovation in sustainable beauty. Unlike traditional methods of sourcing from nature, biotechnology works at the molecular level, cultivating synthetic ingredients modelled after natural compounds, often within the confines of a petri dish.
This approach reduces dependence on both common and rare natural resources, limits the burden of intensive agriculture and curtails land use, water consumption and carbon emissions.
Read more: Is the “clean beauty” trend really clean?
Above Replacing the right to exploit nature in order to meet rising consumer demand serves a greater purpose
Replacing the right to exploit nature in order to meet rising consumer demand serves a greater purpose
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Replacing the right to exploit nature in order to meet rising consumer demand serves a greater purpose, encouraging the continued evolution of biotechnology. Both consumers and the beauty sector are already beginning to enjoy the rewards of this progress.
Above Over time, society at large—and the beauty industry in particular—has begun to benefit from these scientific strides
Above Over time, society at large—and the beauty industry in particular—has begun to benefit from these scientific strides
Over time, society at large—and the beauty industry in particular—has begun to benefit from these scientific strides
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Researchers are focusing their efforts on three key areas: First, enhancing the efficacy of plant-derived ingredients to reduce environmental disruption; second, leveraging fermentation to produce potent, eco-conscious actives such as hyaluronic acid and probiotics; and finally, developing biopolymer alternatives to replace harsher synthetic agents in skincare, haircare and cosmetics.
Above Researchers are focusing their efforts on three key areas
Researchers are focusing their efforts on three key areas
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Contrary to persistent assumptions that “artificial” equates to inferior or that “chemicals” are always harmful, scientific advancements deserve a closer look. In fact, they offer beauty solutions that align with modern values, helping us make savvier, more responsible choices for ourselves and our loved ones.
Read more: Microbiome Skincare—Beauty “revolution” from skin microflora
How did we beautify with biotechnology?
Biotechnology is now pivotal to the cosmetics world, offering ingredients that are not only safer and more effective, but also friendlier to the planet. Many of these actives will be familiar. Take hyaluronic acid, for instance, renowned for its hydrating properties, plumping the skin and softening the appearance of fine lines. Or kojic acid, a naturally derived compound known to even out pigmentation and brighten dark spots. More recently, enzymes, biologically active proteins, have gained popularity for their role in exfoliating, illuminating and targeting specific skin concerns.
Above We must revisit what scientific progress offers to both life and beauty, not only to stay in step with the times, but to make more considered choices for ourselves and our families
We must revisit what scientific progress offers to both life and beauty, not only to stay in step with the times, but to make more considered choices for ourselves and our families
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At present, biotechnology’s role in beauty is still in its early stages, so specialised brands and product lines in this space remain relatively limited. Even so, Vietnamese consumers can already begin to embrace a more sustainable approach to beauty and lifestyle through the following options:
Biossance
To date, Biossance stands out as one of the most recognised biotechnology-driven skincare brands among Asian consumers. Celebrated for its squalane-based formulations, the brand chooses sugarcane as a renewable source over traditional shark liver-derived squalane for its serums and creams.
By engineering a specific yeast strain and combining it with cane syrup, Biossance uses fermentation to transform sugar molecules into a bio-identical version of squalane suitable for skincare.
Above To date, Biossance stands out as one of the most recognised biotechnology-driven skincare brands among Asian consumers
To date, Biossance stands out as one of the most recognised biotechnology-driven skincare brands among Asian consumers
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Twinsskin
Positioned under the banner of “Scientific Skincare”, this Vietnamese beauty label brings a fresh perspective to the market by weaving science and technology directly into product development. Most of its formulas are crafted and refined by a team of seasoned experts, masters and doctors alike, to better address the particular needs of Vietnamese skin.
Above Twinsskin—a Vietnamese beauty brand integrating science and technology into skincare innovation
Above Twinsskin—a Vietnamese beauty brand integrating science and technology into skincare innovation
Twinsskin—a Vietnamese beauty brand integrating science and technology into skincare innovation
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L’Oréal Cell BioPrint
Beyond products alone, the realm of beauty devices is emerging as a promising field for biotechnology. In January, during the CES® 2025 exhibition in the United States, L’Oréal Group unveiled L’Oréal Cell BioPrint, a personalised skin analysis device capable of generating results in just five minutes.
Above L’Oréal Cell BioPrint—a personalised skin analysis device delivering results in five minutes
Above L’Oréal Cell BioPrint—a personalised skin analysis device delivering results in five minutes
L’Oréal Cell BioPrint—a personalised skin analysis device delivering results in five minutes
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Developed in partnership with Longevity Integrative Scienceä, this innovation draws on advanced proteomics, the study of how the body’s protein composition influences skin ageing. The device offers insights into the ageing process, enabling users to identify skincare solutions tailored to their specific needs.
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