A lasting problem in the cosmetic industry is the use of petrochemical-derived resources in cosmetic preparations. These substances are attained from natural gas and crude oil. There is every possibility of them being toxic, irritating, and allergic. Say, carcinogenic benzophenone is found in sunscreen formulations. Sodium lauryl sulfate is every so often used in cleaners despite it can be a reason for skin irritations. Synthetic colors can induce more and more allergies.

The Need for Green Technology

Petrochemicals are non-maintainable, non-renewable, and also have a negative impact on the atmosphere. Most cosmetics have organic solvents releasing VOCs. These are precursors to ozone and aerosols that can bring about global pollution. Bearing in mind these negative environmental, and health effects, it is indispensable to advance a more justifiable substitute to avoid such toxic effects. 

The Emergence of a New Trend

An evolving trend in the cosmetic sector is on the verge of replacing petroleum-based constituents with more ample bio-based ingredients manufacturing so-called “biocosmetics”.

There are numerous biotechnological progressions in synthesizing biocosmetics. One traditional method is the fermentation process.  The traditional processes involve the use of microorganisms to produce the desired products.  These processes are generally carried out in bioreactors, containers providing the ideal temperature and pH for these reactions. One instance of the use of fermentation is the making of butylene glycol, used in cosmetic products for moisturizing.

Usually, butylene glycol is manufactured via dehydrogenation of acetaldehyde. As a substitute, fermentation can be done as a benign and simpler method. Furthermore, for butylene glycol, fermentation can be utilized to produce numerous other valuable ingredients in cosmetics like Kojic acid, and hyaluronic acid.

A recent approach for explicit bio-based substances is the use of genetic editing through recombinant DNA technology. This approach involves the insertion of exogenic genes of interest into a bacterial plasmid for producing recombinant DNA vectors, which can be utilized to transduce cells, forcing them to generate the required products. In the manufacturing of cosmetics, this technology can be put to use for the production of enzymes like superoxide dismutase, and proteases. SOD is frequently formulated into a sunscreen for regulating the number of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species molded upon UV exposure.

Proteases are typically formulated in exfoliators because they can divide peptides into amino acids. Recombinant DNA know-how can also be utilized to produce proteins with the use of microalgae. Some distinguished examples include chlorella, and spirulina ; both have anti-aging effects.

The demand for biobased cosmetics and personal care products increased to a value about $4,551 million in 2021 and will reach about $7,272 million by 2030. The mounting cosmetics manufacturing, increasing consciousness regarding the detrimental effects of synthetic chemicals, and surging influence of advertising policies on consumer faith play a big in embracing these bio-based products.

Bio-Based products are making the most in contemporary times and people are embracing them with both hands.