Exhibitors were keen to showcase the skin care, cosmetic and pharmaceutical benefits of marine active based elements, most commonly extracted from algae. Speaking at the event, marketing manager for In-Cosmetics, Cathy Laporte, told CosmeticsDesign-Europe, "Marine based activity is obviously a growing trend in the cosmetics industry, made apparent by the number of ingredient manufacturers promoting such products at the show". "Meetings have taken place between manufacturers and UBIFrance, the French agency for international business development, in the hope of exporting their products in Pakistan and Russia, highlighting the global attraction of this trend" she said. Indeed, BiotechMarine used the show as a base to showcase its broad range of marine bioactive ingredients designed especially for anti-aging, hydration, hair care and make up. Based in France, the ingredients provided by the company are derived from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, amongst other areas, with products including Laminaine Marine and Gulf Sea Stream Water. Likewise, Atrium Biotechnologies has created a new product named Homeosta-Sea, said to be the 'marine solution for skin homeostasis'. The product contains 4 ingredients taken from different parts of the algae, which alone or in combination aid skin health and appearance. The four components, Homeo-Sheild, Homeo-Age, Homeoxy and Homeo-Soothe, come from brown algae and brown seaweed found in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Brittany, France.
Said to be rich in vitamins and minerals, and the seaweed well known to tolerate desiccation, temperature variations and high saline water, the components make up a product that could possibly head up the growing trend - enticing manufacturers with its multi-functional skin care properties. Capitalising on the growing need to look younger through natural and organic means, the company states that its marine biotechnology is the best way to help ageing, and inflammation, stop free radicals and slow the degradation of the skin. The trend was so significant that many ingredient manufacturers, research laboratories and suppliers of marine raw materials came together on a stand to discuss with visitors the benefits of having such extracts in the cosmetic and personal care products. Ocealys Laboratoire, Natlantis and Agrimer were among these exhibitors, who came under the Bretagne International umbrella, a non-profit association of private companies in Western France, helping to gain international development of marine based ingredients.