Evonik launches biotech-based vegan collagen ingredient for the beauty and personal care market

• Vecollage™ Fortify L meets increasing market demand for vegan collagen
• Skin-identical collagen demonstrates superior performance
• Leverages Evonik’s biotechnology competencies as next step to build up partner platform of non-animal and sustainable collagen

Evonik has launched Vecollage™ Fortify L, a new vegan collagen for the beauty and personal care market that is identical to collagen in the skin. Vecollage™ Fortify L leverages Evonik’s competencies in biotechnology, collagen, and skin care to meet the demand for vegan collagen for applications such as anti-aging and hydrating creams. By using a system solutions approach that combines an innovative product with expertise in skin biology, Evonik has unveiled the effect of recombinant collagen on the dermis, the middle layer of the skin.

The launch of Vecollage™ Fortify L brings Evonik a step closer to generating a platform of non-animal and sustainable collagen. This platform will consist of several types of vegan collagen developed by Evonik and together with partners and will cement the company’s position as a prominent player in biotechnology-based active ingredients. Bioactives form part of a growing portfolio of innovative biosolutions developed by the company’s life sciences division, Nutrition & Care.

“The future of skincare is all about biotech-based collagen! Brand owners can now offer consumers sustainably sourced, skin-identical collagen. This true hero ingredient clearly shows how sustainability drives us and collaboration defines us,” said Yann d'Hervé, head of Evonik's Care Solutions business line.

Vecollage™ Fortify L was developed in partnership with the company Modern Meadow Inc., which specializes in fermentation-based protein development. It provides dual benefits to fortify collagen in the skin by preventing age-related degradation and stimulating the skin’s own collagen production.

For decades, collagen has been a sought-after ingredient in cosmetics and dermatology for its ability to improve firmness, elasticity and hydration in the skin. Traditionally, collagen comes from animal and marine sources, but consumers are increasingly looking for ethical and sustainable alternatives, while brands are concerned about supply security issues. Vecollage™ Fortify L is made using fermentation technology, which addresses these challenges by delivering a vegan collagen produced in a controlled manner with a lower ecological footprint.

The Care Solutions business, part of the Nutrition & Care division, specializes in concepts for skin care, sun care, color cosmetics, hair care, skin cleansing, active ingredients, alternative preservation and product stabilization. Evonik’s Nutrition & Care division is home to the company’s biotechnology excellence center which applies fermentation technologies in various high-growth markets.