Debut Biotechnology is making its mark in the professional beauty services sector through a newly announced partnership with skin care brand Formula Fig. This collaboration will introduce biotech-driven formulations designed to enhance the offerings of skin care studios, facial bars, and med-spas, combining scientific innovation with clinically-backed performance.
“Debut has continually invested in its ability to find the highest-performing biotech ingredients that only we can access, and now, through our groundbreaking business unit, BiotechXBeautyLabs, we are driving innovation in skin health for professional beauty services,” said Joshua Britton, PhD, Founder and CEO of Debut, in a press release.
We spoke to Dr. Britton to learn more about how the partnership focuses on creating clinically backed products to support Formula Fig’s minimally invasive treatments. “Our advances in skin biology and understanding of key areas such as aging and longevity mean we can apply a scientific approach to creating solutions that have true credibility and align well with professional beauty services,” Britton explained.
Collaboration goals
Formula Fig, known for its technology-driven skin care treatments, views this partnership as an opportunity to expand its offerings. “Collaborating with BiotechXBeautyLabs positions us alongside a partner equally committed to delivering scientifically-driven skincare solutions rooted in efficacy,” said Jessica Walsh, Founder and CEO of Formula Fig, in the same release.
Britton explained that the products developed through this collaboration are designed to extend the benefits of in-clinic treatments. “Biotech-enhanced products reinforce and extend the life of professional services,” he said. “For Formula Fig, it means their guests will be able to bring home the results of the treatment room.”
Biotech’s role in professional beauty
According to Grand View Research, the global professional beauty services market, valued at $247.24 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% through 2030. Britton noted biotech’s significant potential to address this growing market’s demands.
“The scope and potential of biotech in professional beauty services is huge. If industry professionals want higher-performing formulations that deliver better results for their clients, then biotech is the easy answer,” he said.
BiotechXBeautyLabs emphasizes precision technology to deliver highly effective formulations at lower ingredient concentrations, reducing the risk of skin irritation.
“With precision technology, biotech ingredients are potent at low use levels. Typically, biotech ingredients are lower than 0.5%, compared to vitamin C’s 15 to 20% concentrations,” Britton explained. “This delivers all the potency without potential skin sensitization.”
Additionally, AI and machine learning are key in the research process. “AI and machine learning enable us to identify new pathways activated by trace ingredients, which, in turn, helps us define new benefits and claim areas,” Britton said.
“We can predict how molecules interact with skin, and this guides our process when it comes to the creation of innovative formulations,” he added.
Future outlook
This partnership is part of a broader strategy to democratize access to biotechnology for professional beauty providers. “We launched BiotechXBeautyLabs to democratize access to biotech and level the playing field so that professional beauty services and beauty brands globally can develop cutting-edge, high-performance, 95% bio-based formulations – minus the heavy upfront investment associated with biotech R&D,” Britton stated.
The collaboration with Formula Fig is seen as the first step in a series of planned initiatives for BiotechXBeautyLabs in the professional beauty sector. “We currently have a great funnel of brands wanting to work with BiotechXBeautyLabs and create superior formulations that incorporate potency, purity, performance, and safety,” Britton said.
Looking ahead, Britton described biotech’s role in shaping the beauty industry’s future. “We are at an inflection point in beauty,” he said, and “after greenwashing and clean-washing, consumers will finally be getting the beauty products they deserve with novel biotech ingredients and products that deliver novel claims.”
The partnership aligns with Formula Fig’s mission to unite beauty with medical aesthetics. As Walsh concluded in the company’s press release, the collaboration will allow Formula Fig to “expand on [its] experience through [a] new skincare line launching next year.”