Givaudan Active Beauty launches Illuminyl™ 388, a highly potent skin brightening prebiotic paving the way for inclusivity

The powerful, holistic illuminating active with proven universal efficacy

Givaudan Active Beauty unveils Illuminyl™ 388, a biotech-enhanced molecule designed through cell-free glycosylation to address the challenges of skin pigmentation for all skin types. 

 
Illuminyl 388

Crafted through a unique biocatalysis process from EGCG1, green tea’s most iconic antioxidant, this ingenious brightening molecule delivers a holistic luminous effect.

At the heart of Illuminyl™ 388 is a commitment to inclusivity in skincare innovation. 

This bio-based active has been designed to simultaneously target multiple skin pigmentation pathways and is reinforced by additional prebiotic activity to meet the needs of diverse skin types from Africa, Asia, India, and Europe.

Givaudan Active Beauty undertook in-depth and global clinical studies, engaging over 200 volunteers comprised of four diverse skin tones (African, Asian, Indian, and Caucasian), in turn establishing that Illuminyl™ 388 is able to:
 

  • improve skin radiance in just 2 weeks,
  • enhance skin tone & luminosity in just 2 weeks,
  • reduce pigmentation spots in just 1 month,
  • enhance skin tone homogeneity, even tackling stubborn age spots.

Illuminyl™ 388 has a unique bioavailability with an in-depth skin penetration profile. Its sugar moiety enables its absorption via cellular glucose receptors, while conferring on the molecule a prebiotic activity which stimulates the in-situ release of a niacin-derivative by the skin microflora.

“Clinical studies conducted on four different skin types underline the universal efficacy of this skin illuminating active. Givaudan Active Beauty continues to push the boundaries of innovation with Illuminyl™ 388: we are not only targeting all the major pigmentation pathways but we also trigger the skin microbiota to produce whitening postbiotics. Whether it’s improving skin radiance and luminosity, promoting even skin tone, or reducing pigmentation spots, Illuminyl™ 388 outperforms traditional benchmarks such as vitamin C. It is a testament to our commitment to redefining beauty standards and empowering individuals worldwide.”

Daniel Auriol, Scientific Director Biotechnology, Active Beauty

Achieving a B-Biome™ Score2 of ’B’, this brightening active works in synergy with the microbiome to preserve the general balance of the skin’s microbiota.

To learn more about our new ingredient and its marketing concept, S3D® Lumière Noire, we invite you to visit us at our booth (1C62) at in-cosmetics Global, taking place in Paris, France. Or connect to uxbeauty.givaudan.com, our digital platform dedicated to cosmetic ingredients.

 

  1. EpiGalloCatechin Gallate

  2. The first scientifically proven, 100% transparent and microbiome-friendly label for cosmetic ingredients.


About Givaudan
Givaudan is a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. We celebrate the beauty of human experience by creating for happier, healthier lives with love for nature. Together with our customers we deliver food experiences, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good. In 2023, Givaudan employed 16,260 people worldwide and achieved CHF 6.9 billion in sales with a free cash flow of 13.3%. With a heritage that stretches back over 250 years, we are committed to driving long-term, purpose-led growth by improving people’s health and happiness and increasing our positive impact on nature. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Discover more at: www.givaudan.com.

About Givaudan Fragrance & Beauty
Givaudan Fragrance & Beauty craft inspired fragrances to perfume lives and memories, and develop innovative beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good all over the world. Nature is both our responsibility and our most precious muse. We are just as committed to sustainability as we are to creating innovative products that satisfy consumer needs and anticipate their desires. With a collaborative approach that favours co-creation, we have built a diverse portfolio across personal care, fabric care, hygiene, home care, fine fragrances, and beauty, reflecting our multidisciplinary expertise. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Learn more at www.givaudan.com/fragrance-beauty.

About Givaudan Active Beauty
Givaudan Active Beauty crafts avant-garde cosmetic actives and high-end specialties that make people look and feel good. We bring nature’s most precious gifts to the art of personal care in the form of biotech & botanical high-performing molecules, delighting consumers. Our extensive portfolio of award-winning skin & hair ingredients spans a variety of benefits for human beauty: from well-ageing and self-tanners to radiance, microbiome-friendly, soothers, hydrators, and more. Backed by solid scientific recognition and consumers’ awareness, we remain at the cutting edge of this rapidly expanding market to deliver sustainable solutions supporting the growth of our customers. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Learn more at www.givaudan.com/active-beauty.


For further information please contact
Farida Tir Teerlinck, Active Beauty Communications    
E farida.tir_teerlinck@givaudan.com