Chanel partners with plant biology specialist to develop novel ingredients

28-Feb-2013 - Last updated on 28-Feb-2013 at 11:56 GMT

The cosmetic giant’s research and technology department has entered into an exclusive partnership with French plant biology specialist 'Plant Advanced Technologies' (PAT) in an effort to develop a line of pure active ingredients.

As a result of the joint venture, Chanel is set to launch its first regenerating anti-ageing skin care product this year featuring an active ingredient developed by the biology specialist’s latest technology.

Plant Advanced Technologies are internationally recognized experts in plant biology, from the University of Lorraine and the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) working on stimulating innovative processes metabolism of plants for more than ten years.

During the past five years, Chanel teams have worked with PAT engineers to provide an extraction and culture from Edulis molecules. Three other projects associated with other extracts plants, are also said to be in development.

'Polyactive compound'

For the new product, over 1,200 sqm of soil-less culture is currently being developed in PAT greenhouses to produce and purify a polyphenolic Edulis extract. The polyactive compound is said to be a powerful anti-ageing agent that is able to act simultaneously on several key factors involved in ageing.

According to the brand, PAT’s technology will now make it possible for the selection and purifying processes to be carried out at the very heart of the plant. It involves stimulating the metabolism of plants, which then express compounds in concentrations that may reach 50 times higher than normal.

“This research is a welcome addition to our expertise in active ingredients and it sets the stage for new production and purification possibilities," says Christian Mahé, senior vice-president at Chanel R&T.

Since 2006, the Chanel representitive says the company has been working on a truly novel strategy, based on investigating and using polyactive compounds and that the partnership with PAT will take the brand even further in this new direction, with the development of a process in which the plants themselves produce these compounds.

"This original technology will enable us to provide purer and more powerful active ingredients featuring innovative anti-ageing, hydration and protective properties for applications in skin care products,” he explains.