Chanel, Plant Advanced Technologies team up to develop new cosmetics ingredients

French cosmetics manufacturer Chanel Research and Technology has entered into an exclusive partnership with French plant biology specialist Plant Advanced Technologies (PAT), in a bid to develop a new line of pure active ingredients produced from plants.

Under the joint venture, Chanel will launch its first regenerating anti-ageing skin care product , which includes an active ingredient developed by the biology specialist’s latest technology.

According to the brand, PAT’s new technology will make it possible for the selection and purifying processes to be carried out at the very heart of the plant.

The process is carried out through stimulating the metabolism of plants, which then express compounds in concentrations that may reach 50 times higher than normal.

Chanel said PAT is currently developing a 1,200 sqm of soil-less culture at its greenhouses to produce and purify a polyphenolic Edulis extract, which is used in in the new product formulation.

The polyactive compound is a powerful anti-ageing agent, which can simultaneously act on several key factors involved in ageing.

Chanel R&T senior vice president Christian Mahé said the firm’s new research is an addition to its expertise in active ingredients and sets the stage for new production and purification possibilities.

"Since 2006, we have been working on a truly novel strategy, based on investigating and using polyactive compounds. Our partnership with PAT will take us even further in this new direction, with the development of a process in which the plants themselves produce these compounds," Mahé added.

"This original technology will enable us to provide purer and more powerful active ingredients featuring innovative anti-ageing, hydration and protective properties for applications in skin care products."