PhytoSpherix™ is a plant-derived glycogen ingredient 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. For brands, it offers a clinically supported vegan ingredient suited to premium hair-growth and hair-longevity product lines.
Image Credit: PhytoSpherix™
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.
