VIBRE | Biomimicry and beauty: a revolution in cosmetics
In the ever-changing world of beauty and skincare, an emerging trend has captured the attention of scientists, PhD students, researchers and innovation enthusiasts alike: biomimicry.
This revolutionary approach draws its inspiration from nature to create innovative cosmetic formulations that transcend traditional standards.
In this article, we'll explore in depth what biomimicry is, where it comes from and how it's transforming the landscape of beauty.
What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is a scientific and conceptual approach that draws inspiration from the living, complex systems, processes and elements present in nature to solve human problems, design technological innovations, or improve innovative products and processes. The fundamental idea behind biomimicry is to imitate or draw inspiration from nature to create effective, sustainable solutions.
This approach to sustainability can affect a variety of fields, includingengineering, biology, chemistry, medicine, product design, cosmetics and many others. Biomimetic scientists, engineers and designers study the forms, structures, functions and strategies present in the natural kingdom, then apply this knowledge to human innovations.
Biomimicry offers a creative way of tackling today's challenges, drawing on the efficiency and ingenuity developed by millions of years of biological evolution.
In the quest for innovative solutions to today's environmental challenges, biomimicry is emerging as a catalyst for sustainable development. Inspired by natural ecosystems and biological processes, engineers are exploring innovative ecological and technological processes to design sustainable products and technologies. This marriage of biomimicry and sustainable development offers new prospects for preserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact.
Biomimetic engineering: imitating nature
Biomimetic engineering has its roots in biology, mimicking living beings and biological processes to solve complex problems. Researchers explore scales ranging from ecosystems to living organisms, using biology as a source of inspiration for innovative research and development.
Algae, for example, are becoming a source of inspiration for solar energy research, while architects and engineers are inspired by the principles oftermite mounds and designing energy-efficient structures.
Biodiversity, representing the variety of life forms in a given ecosystem, is becoming an inexhaustible source of inspiration for biomimicry. Biologists explore ecosystems, from oceans to land, to discover biological models for sustainable innovations. Coral reefs, marine sponges, lotuses and bees become models for innovative, environmentally-friendly solutions.
- Biomimicry and technology: innovation at the service of ecology
Technological advances inspired by nature are multiplying, from tidal turbines imitating the fin of an eel to robotics inspired by the fluid movements of animals.Imitation of nature goes beyond simple coatings or membranes, reaching fields such as artificial photosynthesis, where the principles of plant photosynthesis are used to develop innovative energy solutions.
- Sustainable innovation
At the crossroads of biology, chemistry and engineering, biomimicry offers innovative solutions to ecological and economic challenges. Researchers, engineers and biologists work together to imitate natural processes, develop sustainable technologies and contribute to a successful ecological transition. Biomimicry is positioned as a driving force for sustainable innovation and renewed harmony with our environment.
Biomimicry applied to cosmetics
In cosmetics, biomimetic compounds are forged from natural or synthetic ingredients and are identical, or almost identical, to what the human body itself produces, enabling products containing them to work in the same way.
"By copying a compound that the body produces naturally, or by simulating the structure of hair and skin, skincare products achieve better results. For scientists, copying nature guarantees a certain success rate, because greater efficacy goes hand in hand with compounds that mimic a biological process rather than randomly selected chemicals," explains Lionel Ripoll, Professor of Cosmetology at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi.
The biomimetic approach therefore represents a significant advance, combining the efficacy of powerful active ingredients with an approach that respects and mimics the skin's biological processes. This synergy guarantees not only visible, long-lasting results, but also improved product tolerance, reducing the risk of irritation or allergies.
Examples of biomimicry in cosmetics: the art of drawing inspiration from nature
- The glow of butterfly wings
Imagine capturing the glow of butterfly wings in a makeup product. Researchers have studied the nanostructure of butterfly wings to reproduce this unique iridescence in eyeshadows and illuminators. The result? Cosmetics that capture light naturally, creating a subtle glow on the skin.
- Eternal hydration for succulents
Succulent plants, known for their ability to store water in arid environments, have inspired the development of revolutionary moisturizing formulations. By mimicking the hydration mechanisms of succulents, certain creams and lotions guarantee prolonged hydration, offering skin a healthy glow and protection against dehydration.
- Alliance between performance and nature
Shark skin is known for its special texture that reduces drag in the water, thus improving sharks' swimming performance. Scientists and biomimicry researchers have studied this characteristic to create beauty products, such as creams and lotions, that mimic the texture of shark skin. This bio-inspiration is often used to improve the application of products to the skin, making them more fluid and promoting rapid absorption.
This same approach has been applied to the innovation and development of wetsuits that mimic the skin texture of these marine predators. This innovation enables swimmers to reduce drag in the water, thus improving their performance.
VIBRE: inspired, biomimetic organic skincare
The structure of human skin has always been a challenge, and the the process of creating VIBRE bio-inspired skincare began with an in-depth study of natural mechanisms. We studied the biology, molecular science, chemistry and physics present in the skin to understand how these elements can be applied to cosmetic solutions.
With this in-depth understanding, and thanks to years of research and development, we have developed formulations that mimic natural skin processes while meeting the skin's specific needs.
Our products have been developed to mimic the lipid composition of the skin, enhancing nutrient absorption and moisture retention. These unique skin care products strengthen the skin's barrier and respond to its needs, offering increased protection against external aggressors and stimulatingcell regeneration.