UP-CYCLING: why is it so important?
Today, in the world of cosmetics, the mere natural origin of a product is no longer enough. Consumers now consider it a basic requirement, while what truly makes the difference is a brand’s ability to demonstrate a concrete commitment to sustainability, which, in fact, is no longer an added value but an essential criterion in the choice of products.
In recent years, however, the concept of sustainability has taken a further step forward, evolving beyond traditional recycling and embracing an even more proactive approach: up-cycling.
Up-cycling means transforming a waste material not into something of equal value—as in traditional recycling—but into something of greater value, creating a virtuous cycle. Choosing up-cycling ingredients means giving a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded, turning them into high-value cosmetic resources. This approach helps reduce waste, minimize environmental impact, and promote a more circular management of natural resources.
Building on this concept, Sinerga has developed three cosmetic ingredients—two actives and one rheological additive—obtained from the recovery of selected industrial by-products specifically chosen for their ability to retain functional properties and integrate seamlessly into modern, sustainable formulations.
- Up-Citrus Extract, obtained from discarded mandarin and orange peels from the food industry, transformed into a multifunctional active ingredient that is both highly effective and sustainable for the health of the skin, scalp, and hair. It helps maintain youthful, revitalized, and healthy skin thanks to its energizing, brightening, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Additionally, it provides detoxification from heavy metals and a silicon-like conditioning and anti-frizz effect on the hair. On the scalp, it helps balance the microbiome and has deeply soothing properties.
- Up-Citrus Rheo: a rheological additive derived from discarded lemon peels from the food industry. Extremely versatile and highly compatible with other cosmetic ingredients, it can be added to formulations either cold or hot. It allows the creation of unique and sensorially pleasant textures, providing a soft and enveloping touch. It also imparts mattifying properties, giving a soft-focus effect to formulations.
- Carobsoothe: an active ingredient derived from the pulp of carob pods discarded by the food industry. It targets the main mechanisms of inflammaging with an innovative approach, promoting the stimulation of aquaporins involved in key cellular processes. This activity, combined with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, results in overall improved skin health, leaving it more hydrated, elastic, and radiant, while reducing redness and uneven skin tone.
