# Plant-Based Glycogen Actives Earnest Beauty Introduced Its plant-derived glycogen hair product By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-05-22 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Plant-Derived-Glycogen References: [cosmeticsbusiness](https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/phytospherix-plant-based-glycogen-for-hair-longevity) & [mibellebiochemistry](https://mibellebiochemistry.com/phytospherixtm-hair)  PhytoSpherix™ is a [plant-derived glycogen ingredient](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skin-regeneration-compound) developed for hair-care formulations, featuring a vegan alternative to traditionally animal-sourced glycogen made from non-GMO sweet corn. The COSMOS-approved active is chemically identical to animal glycogen and uses a patented water-based extraction process designed for modern hair longevity and scalp-care products. Testing across in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies showed that PhytoSpherix™ stimulated ATP production in keratinocytes, supported follicle growth activity and improved hair density, growth speed and anagen-to-telogen ratios. The ingredient is positioned for use in regrowth serums, follicle energizers and hair masks, with stability across common formulation temperatures and compatibility with cold-process applications. For consumers, the ingredient supports fuller and healthier-looking hair through energy-focused scalp care while aligning with growing demand for [botanical, ethical and science-backed beauty actives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeropollution). For brands, it offers a clinically supported vegan ingredient suited to premium hair-growth and hair-longevity product lines. Image Credit: PhytoSpherix™ ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 76% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/cosmetics) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Plant-based Bioactives:** The replacement of animal-derived actives with botanically sourced, chemically identical ingredients creates scope for novel vegan supply chains and ingredient-as-differentiator models in personal care. - **Clinical-grade Vegan Ingredients:** A rising expectation for clinically validated, cruelty-free actives is redefining premium beauty positioning by coupling lab-proven efficacy with ethical sourcing narratives. - **Energy-focused Scalp Care:** Formulations that target cellular energy and follicle metabolism introduce a biochemical approach to hair longevity and density beyond conventional cosmetic benefits. ### Who This Affects Most - **Hair-care Brands:** Significant consumer appetite for fuller, healthier hair backed by science positions brands to lead with regenerative, plant-derived actives in premium regrowth and longevity lines. - **Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturing:** The development of patented, water-based extraction processes for non-GMO botanical glycogen points to opportunities for specialized ingredient producers to supply clinically oriented, vegan actives. - **Dermato-cosmetic Research:** Interdisciplinary research combining keratinocyte bioenergetics and formulation stability enables new product classes at the intersection of dermatology and cosmetology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Based Exosomes-Powered Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-exosome.md) - [Plant-Powered Collagen Skincare](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-botanical-kinetics.md) - [Biotech-Powered Moisturizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antiaging-moisturizers.md) - [Bio-Based Anti-Aging Ingredients](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incosmetics-global-2026.md) - [Cellular Beauty Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jupiter-neurosciences.md) - [Plant-Based Retinol Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bakuchiol-plumping-capsule-cream.md) - [Science-Backed Skin Renewal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/algaktiv.md) - [Beauty Ingredient Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incosmetics-global.md) - [Plant-Based Skin Actives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soothing-light-apple-tree.md)