Skin Longevity and Care: Key Factors and Challenges in Cosmetic Formulation
Skin longevity has become a major trend in cosmetics. Beyond current anti-aging trends (anti-aging, well-aging, beautiful aging), the focus is shifting towards a preventive, regenerative, firming, hydrating, and sustainable approach that addresses signs of aging from their cellular origin and promotes long-term skin health. The selection of raw materials is essential to ensure high-quality, effective products that deliver visible and lasting benefits.The concept of skin longevity is rooted in understanding how skin ages and the factors that influence this process. At the cellular level, aging is associated with reduced cell turnover, oxidative damage, collagen and elastin loss, inflammation, and impaired skin barrier function. External factors such as free radicals, UV radiation, pollution, stress, and lifestyle habits further accelerate these mechanisms. In response, cosmetic actives with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, regenerative, firming, and protective properties are key allies in targeting skin aging.
The cosmetic industry offers a wide array of actives to promote skin longevity. Peptides, retinoic acid precursors, encapsulated vitamins, biotech-derived ingredients, glycosaminoglycans, and epigenetics-inspired compounds are among the most notable. These ingredients modulate specific cellular pathways, stimulate collagen production, activate DNA repair mechanisms, and reinforce the skin’s barrier function.
Below are some recommended actives that support skin longevity:
Peptides
Inci Name: Glycerin, Aqua (Water), Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Pinus Sibirica Seedcake Extract, Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol)This cedar nut-derived matrikine peptide activates extracellular matrix proteins. It improves age-related characteristics in mature skin: elasticity, density, wrinkles, and sagging.
Bakuchiol
Inci Name: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bakuchiol, Lecithin, Tocopherol
A blend of bakuchiol and phospholipids ideal for treating skin imperfections and age-related concerns.
Retinal
Inci Name: Glycerin, RetinalRetinal helps increase skin elasticity, protects against free radical damage, thickens the dermis, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, diminishes hyperpigmentation, and improves hydration.
Glycosaminoglycans
Inci Name: Glycerin, glycosaminoglycansGlycosaminoglycans are polysaccharides that link cells to tissues and bind collagen and elastin fibers, playing a key role in the extracellular matrix. They offer excellent moisturizing and regenerative capacity and help protect the skin barrier.
Astaxanthin
Inci Name: Glycerin, Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilThis unique technology encapsulates astaxanthin (Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract) in phospholipids. Thanks to the small droplet size, it enhances penetration and bioavailability. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that reduces wrinkles, improves skin appearance, protects against UV-induced aging, and boosts hydration.
Phospholipids
Inci Name: Phosphatidylcholine, Ascorbyl Palmitate, TocopherolUnsaturated phospholipids act as cellular keys for skin rejuvenation, improving firmness, elasticity, and texture. Phosphatidylcholine helps reduce wrinkles and enhance skin smoothness.
From a raw materials perspective, it’s crucial to ensure traceability, purity, stability, and compatibility with other ingredients. The choice of delivery system also impacts efficacy—liposomes, for example, enable deeper and sustained penetration, enhancing the activity of functional ingredients.
Cosmetic longevity also goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. Consumers increasingly demand natural, biodegradable, and ethically sourced ingredients. Certified organic raw materials, eco-efficient extraction processes, and green technologies are paving the way toward more responsible beauty aligned with evolving market expectations.
Skin longevity-oriented care requires an integrated approach combining science, innovation, and sustainability. Lemmel provides highly effective actives that support the development of advanced, safe, and efficient formulations—contributing to healthy skin at every life stage.