Fucogel®
The star ingredient in cosmetics for over 30 years
How Solabia launched Biosaccharide Gum-1 in 1988?
In the beginning
Let’s go back to 1988 when our biotechnology researchers discovered the ability of a bacterial strain to synthesize a unique polysaccharide structure rich in fucose: Biosaccharide Gum-1. Now widely recognized as the best cosmetic ingredient, Fucogel® combines effectiveness and sensoriality thanks to its complete S.M.A.R.T. [Soothing – Moisturizing – Anti-aging – Restructuring – Touch] action.
Promising results
Solabia has invested several years in cutting-edge scientific research to keep developing the product and fully explore its biological properties. In 1988, extensive screening of bacterial strains was started. The Biosaccharide gum-1 was selected among the strains tested for its high fucose content. Naturally occurring in the environment, it is not genetically modified and is obtained by fermentation from non-GMO vegetal substrates.
A continuing success
Once its efficiency was proven and demonstrated, the patent for Biosaccharide gum-1 was registered. It was in 1995 that the product officially entered the Institute Pasteur’s collection. Today, Fucogel® has invested in the entire cosmetic industry without alteration for over 30 years. We continue to pursue our discoveries to complete our knowledge thanks to a work of permanent research and new biological tests.
Fucogel®’s success reflects our company’s core values: innovation, reliability and perseverance. Fucogel®, among other products, has been at the base of Solabia’s history in the cosmetic market for several decades and continues to adapt perfectly to the new needs of sustainable development and clean beauty for example. Fucogel® and the other polysaccharides in our range perfectly illustrate the know-how and expertise of our group.
The story behind Fucogel®
Solabia has acquired substantial expertise and experience over three decades of industrial production. Thanks to the group’s mastery of the production process, the production capacity has been progressively expanded to meet the ever-increasing demand for Fucogel® from worldwide customers. Solabia’s manufacturing is continuously improving, as is the R&D around Fucogel®. Our team has successfully overcome many challenges on the preservative system, now offering a preservative-free powder version. The in-depth knowledge of all the different biological mechanisms of Fucogel® is the result of the long experience of a long-established cosmetics company like ours.
1990
Identification of the strain
1994
Deposit of the strain at the Pasteur Institute
2000
Demonstration of its soothing properties
2009
Doubling of the initial production capacity
2012
Demonstration of its restructuring properties
2017
Registration of the patent and launch of new COSMOS, NATURE & eco-friendly reference: Fucogel® Powder
2022
Halal certification & demonstration of its activity on immunosurveillance
1988
Initiation of research
1994
Demonstration of its moisturizing properties
1995
Registration of the Fucogel® patent
2009
Launching of a reference that complies with the standard Ecocert: Fucocert® standard
2011
Demonstration of anti-aging mechanism and its sensory properties
2017
Demonstration of its neuro-soothing mechanism in collaboration with Pr.MISERY
2018
Modernization of the production area
1988
Initiation of research
1990
Identification of the strain
1994
Demonstration of its moisturizing properties
1994
Deposit of the strain at the Pasteur Institute
1995
Registration of the Fucogel® patent
2000
Demonstration of its soothing properties
2009
Launching of a reference that complies with the standard Ecocert: Fucocert® standard
2009
Doubling of the initial production capacity
2011
Demonstration of anti-aging mechanism and its sensory properties
2012
Demonstration of its restructuring properties
2017
Demonstration of its neuro-soothing mechanism in collaboration with Pr.MISERY
2017
Registration of the patent and launch of new COSMOS, NATURE & eco-friendly reference: Fucogel® Powder
2018
Modernization of the production area
2022
Halal certification & demonstration of its activity on immunosurveillance
A worldwide best-seller that has won the trust of the entire cosmetics industry
Fucogel® is an active ingredient known to all cosmetic chemists and formulators, appreciated for its quality, sensoriality, and consistent performance. It has been used in millions of finished products worlwide, from independent brands to large multinationals, thus benefiting from the market’s confidence more than 30 years: Fucogel® is a universally recognized reference in the cosmetic industry.
+30
Years of Fucogel®
+50
In Countries
+1M
End Products
Fucogel®, the S.M.A.R.T. reference in the cosmetic active ingredients market
Recognized as a universal and multifunctional reference in cosmetics, Fucogel® has both active and sensory properties essential for quick and easy access to cutaneous well-being. Formulated easily, meeting the needs of the skin and hair, and adaptable to all types of formulas and applications to provide (or providing or enhancing) comfort and softness, Fucogel® is distinguished by its broad S.M.A.R.T. effectiveness.
S.oothing
With the help of its unique ability to reduce the hyper-reactivity of sensory nerve fibers by inhibiting the activation of the ASIC receptor pathway in response to an irritant, Fucogel® immediately relieves neurogenic inflammation (reduction in the release of substance P). Thus, only 5 minutes after its application, Fucogel® has a neuro-soothing effect on fragile and sensitive skin by reducing the sensations of tingling. It immediately restores feelings of comfort and well-being.
M.oisturizing
With the help of the hygroscopic properties of fucose and its polysaccharide structure, Fucogel® increases the synthesis of epidermal and dermal hyaluronic acid, which decreases with age. Moreover, it was shown that Fucogel® significantly decreases the synthesis of hyaluronidase-2, responsible for the degradation of the hyaluronic acid. It thus has a progressive and prolonged hydrating effect while being pleasant on the skin.
A.nti-aging
With the help of its high fucose content, Fucogel® interacts with keratinocyte lectins to modulate keratinocyte communication within the epidermis, and thus acts on protein synthesis. Fucogel® makes it possible to fight against aging by stimulating the synthesis of collagen 1 and proteins contributing to the longevity of the skin: sirtuins-1 (patented). It thus makes it possible to preserve the vital cellular processes controlled by the sirtuins, such as the repair of the DNA and the resistance to oxidizing stress. In addition, it fights the first signs of aging by acting on the main component of collagen fibers.
R.estructuring
Fucogel® boosts immunosurveillance by activating the necessary signaling pathways and increasing the expression of psoriasin and lipocalin to strengthen the immune barrier. It strengthens the dermal-epidermal junction by increasing the expression of collagen-4, which responsible for the mechanical stability of the skin structure. Thanks to its ability to stimulate sirtuin-1, Fucogel® also promotes epidermal renewal, with its potential demonstrated by the stimulated expression of three proteins, loricrin, involucrin, and SPRR2 differentiation markers. Fucogel® thus makes it possible to fight against aging by compensating for the natural decline in cell renewal. By restoring the quality of the barrier, Fucogel® can bring comfort to fragile, sensitive, and irritation-prone skin.
T.ouch
In cosmetics, well-being depends on skin comfort but also on the pleasure felt when applying a product. Therefore Fucogel® has the advantage of combining sensory properties with its active properties. Through softness, an element inseparable from the sensations of comfort, well-being, and pleasure, Fucogel® offers a real emotional experience.
In conclusion
Slowing down aging, restoring the quality of the barrier, soothing irritations and painful sensations, moisturizing, and bringing softness and comfort, are all crucial needs to achieve true skin well-being. Fucogel® responds effectively and quickly to these needs. Fucogel® is thus a reference in this generation of active ingredients allowing the formulation of care products with numerous benefits to achieving well-being.