Fermented, Upcycled Actives for Skin and Hair Care: CottonFerm™ and VinegHair™
What are CottonFerm™ and VinegHair™?
CottonFerm™ and VinegHair™ are biotech-derived cosmetic ingredients developed by Phenbiox and supported by DKSH Performance Materials to enable formulation-ready adoption in skin and hair care.
CottonFerm™: Fermented Upcycled Cotton Active for Skin, Scalp, and Hair
CottonFerm™ is a fermented botanical extract derived from upcycled Italian cotton floral husks. Produced using Hyper Fermentation Technology, it is designed to improve:
- Skin hydration
- Scalp soothing
- Hair softness
- Hair shine
- Split-end repair
This ingredient is ideal for:
- Moisturizers
- Scalp serums
- Hair masks
- Leave-in conditioners
- Sensitive skin formulations
VinegHair™: Fruit-Derived Cosmetic Vinegar for Rinse-Off Hair Care
VinegHair™ is a cosmetic vinegar active made from pomegranate and blackcurrant using Molecular Bio Liquefaction Technology.
It is specifically formulated for rinse-off hair products such as:
- Shampoos
- Hair conditioners
- Post-wash rinses
- Shine-enhancing treatments
Its mildly acidic profile supports hair cuticle sealing without disturbing scalp balance.
| Explore the Phenbiox CottonFerm™ and VinegHair™ with DKSH |
Why are fermented and biotechnological cosmetic ingredients trending in beauty formulations?
Fermentation and biotechnological processing can enhance the functional performance of botanical raw materials by improving bioavailability and consistency. Compared with conventional plant extracts, fermented ingredients often provide improved hydration persistence, enhanced interaction with skin and hair substrates, and better batch-to-batch standardization.
CottonFerm™ is produced using Hyper fermentation Technology, while VinegHair™ is obtained via Molecular Bio liquefaction Technology, processes designed to preserve and enhance naturally occurring bioactive compounds.
What formulation challenges does CottonFerm™ address?
CottonFerm™ targets hydration, soothing, and hair fiber conditioning across skin, scalp, and hair care applications.
Clinical Performance Highlights:
- Up to 24-hour skin hydration (+17.6%)
- Reduction of transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Reduction of skin and scalp redness
- Increased hair shine (+18%)
- Reduced split-end length (-24.7%)
- Improved hair softness and combability
The ingredient is derived from 100% Italian cotton floral husks, a by-product valorized through fermentation.
INCI Name: Glycerin, Aqua, Gossypium Herbaceum Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Citric Acid
Recommended use levels:
Recommended use levels:
- Skin care: 3% w/w
- Hair care: 1% w/w
DKSH Performance Materials supporting clear use-level guidance, application positioning across skin and hair care, and access to formulation-relevant technical data.
How does VinegHair™ support rinse-off hair care formulations?
VinegHair™ is a cosmetic vinegar derived from pomegranate and blackcurrant, designed to improve hair fiber condition without disrupting scalp balance.
Key performance results include:
- Increased hair shine (+12%)
- Reduction of surface microfractures (-24%)
- Improved hair strength and combability
- Boosted antioxidant defenses (+125%)
- No alteration of scalp pH
Its mildly acidic profile supports cuticle closure, making it suitable for shampoos, conditioners, and post-wash treatments.
INCI Name: Acetum, Aqua, Punica Granatum Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Recommended use level: 1% w/w
Recommended use level: 1% w/w
DKSH Performance Materials supports VinegHair™ integration by positioning it as a controlled alternative to traditional vinegars and aligning technical data with regional formulation requirements.
| Contact DKSH Performance Materials to discuss hair care formulation concepts Explore how VinegHair™ can support shine, strength, and antioxidant protection. |
What regulatory and sustainability aspects should formulators consider?
Both CottonFerm™ and VinegHair™ are COSMOS approved and China listed, supporting global cosmetic formulation strategies. Their use of upcycled cotton by-products and fruit derived bioactives aligns with circular economy and sustainable sourcing approaches. DKSH Performance Materials supports these claims through documentation, traceability, and regulatory readiness.
FAQ
1. Can CottonFerm™ and VinegHair™ ingredients be used in sensitive scalp products?
: Yes. Both ingredients showed scalp compatibility in in vivo testing, and VinegHair™ maintain scalp pH balance.
: Yes. Both ingredients showed scalp compatibility in in vivo testing, and VinegHair™ maintain scalp pH balance.
2. Are the ingredients suitable for global formulations?
: Yes. COSMOS approval and China listing support multi-region product development.
: Yes. COSMOS approval and China listing support multi-region product development.
3. Does DKSH provide support beyond ingredient supply?
: Yes. DKSH Performance Materials supports technical documentation, regulatory alignment, and formulation guidance.
: Yes. DKSH Performance Materials supports technical documentation, regulatory alignment, and formulation guidance.
4. What makes fermented ingredients better than standard botanical extracts?
: Fermentation improves active compound availability, performance consistency, and efficacy.
