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# Plant-Based Skin Actives
Naolys Reinvests in the Science Behind Its Best-Selling Soothing Active

By Grace Mahas | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-02-24 | Fashion
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soothing-light-apple-tree
References: [cosmeticsbusiness](https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/how-new-science-reinforces-naolys-soothing-best-seller)

![Plant-Based Skin Actives](https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/601/soothing-light-apple-tree.jpeg)

French biotech company [Naolys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naolys) has spent over 15 years refining its apple tree cell-based active, Soothing Light Apple, which has long been a go-to ingredient for formulations targeting sensitive skin. Now, the brand is deepening its scientific foundation with new 7-day clinical evaluations and [AI-based skin analysis tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skincare-ingredient) that track early skin responses with greater precision than previous testing methods allowed.

Central to this updated research is a closer look at the [plant-derived PDRNs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-exosome) naturally occurring in Malus domestica cells. These compounds play a measurable role in reinforcing the skin barrier, which tends to be the primary vulnerability in sensitive skin types. Notably, the plant-based PDRNs serve as a viable alternative to animal-derived versions, aligning with the industry's broader shift toward ethical sourcing. Made in France, the active reflects Naolys' ongoing commitment to marrying rigorous science with responsible ingredient development.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.2/10
- Popularity: 38% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 66%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/cosmetics)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **AI-driven Skin Analysis:** New AI tools that detect early skin responses enable the development of faster, more personalized efficacy claims for actives and formulations.
- **Plant-derived Pdrns:** Plant-sourced PDRNs from Malus domestica present a cruelty-free biochemical alternative to animal-derived nucleotides with comparable barrier-reinforcing potential.
- **Short-term Clinical Precision:** Seven-day clinical evaluations combined with advanced analytics are shifting product validation toward quicker, high-confidence performance signals.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Skincare Manufacturing:** Formulators and brands can leverage validated plant actives and rapid clinical readouts to differentiate sensitive-skin product lines with science-backed positioning.
- **Biotech Research Tools:** Providers of AI imaging, skin analytics, and molecular assays stand to redefine R&D workflows by enabling earlier go/no-go decisions and finer mechanistic insight.
- **Ingredient Sourcing and Supply Chain:** Suppliers emphasizing traceable, French-made plant actives and ethical PDRN production can capture demand from brands prioritizing provenance and sustainability.

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