We live by way of the golden age of the energetic ingredient. From vitamin C to barrier-boosting complexes, skincare cabinets – and social media feeds – are saturated with merchandise promising transformative outcomes thanks to 1 hero compound. However what if our obsession with actives was truly distracting us from what our pores and skin actually wants?
On this episode of Inexperienced Magnificence Conversations, Method Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Dr Jule Lexa Völzke, Supervisor of Product Design and Improvement at CLR Berlin, to go behind the scenes of how these elements are actually created, examined and validated.
Collectively, they uncover energetic elements, what they are surely, what they really do for the pores and skin, and reply questions reminiscent of: will we at all times want an energetic ingredient in any respect? How a lot do easy elements like glycerine actually contribute to pores and skin well being? And why does hydration nonetheless outperform so many headline actives?
In case you have ever felt overwhelmed by ingredient tendencies, felt sceptical of TikTok skincare suggestions, or are interested by how actives truly work on the pores and skin, this dialog is for you.
“You can say the energetic elements are the spices. You simply want actually little of them to have an effect and to offer one other layer or a path for the meal.” — Dr Jule Lexa Völzke
On this episode with Dr Jule Lexa Völzke, you’ll hear:
- What an energetic ingredient actually is: Lively elements are sometimes misunderstood as miracle compounds, however in actuality, they’re rigorously examined elements designed to deal with a particular pores and skin situation. Jule explains how actives are validated by way of science, measured for efficacy and solely thought-about profitable if the buyer can truly discover a profit on their pores and skin.
- How energetic elements are developed behind the scenes: From sourcing vegetation, algae or micro organism strains to navigating regulatory hurdles and sustainability issues, the journey from concept to market is lengthy and complicated. Many potential actives by no means survive the early phases on account of stability, provide chain or efficacy challenges.
- Why in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo testing all matter: Jule breaks down the totally different testing strategies utilized by ingredient suppliers and explains why no single check can inform the entire story. She highlights the significance of linking laboratory information with real-life human expertise to construct a coherent and sincere ingredient story.
- Why hydration continues to be underestimated in skincare: Regardless of being one of the efficient methods to assist pores and skin well being, hydration is commonly neglected as a result of it feels too primary. This episode explains why well-hydrated pores and skin is an indication of a powerful barrier and why many actives can not compensate for poor moisturisation.
- The disconnect between formulators and advertising groups: Scientific information alone doesn’t promote merchandise, however oversimplified advertising can distort the reality. Jule shares how ingredient suppliers translate complicated analysis into usable claims, and the place communication between R&D and advertising most frequently breaks down.
Key takeaways embrace:
- Not each skincare product wants an energetic ingredient: Actives are problem-solution instruments, not obligatory additions. If the pores and skin’s primary wants, reminiscent of hydration and barrier assist, are met, many issues enhance with out the necessity for complicated actives. Selecting an energetic ought to at all times be pushed by a transparent pores and skin want, not by tendencies or worry of lacking out.
- Easy elements typically outperform ‘attractive’ actives: Humectants like glycerine stay benchmarks for hydration, incessantly outperforming extra trendy actives in scientific testing. These practical elements work quietly within the background, but they kind the spine of efficient formulations and consumer-visible outcomes.
- Good skincare solely works if folks truly use it: Actives require time and consistency to ship outcomes. If a product is disagreeable to make use of, it can sit unused in a cabinet. Sensory expertise, consolation and pleasure are important for long-term efficacy and needs to be thought-about as necessary as ingredient choice.
- Developments are momentary, pores and skin biology is timeless: Whereas tendencies reminiscent of microbiome care or longevity could dominate headlines, they’re typically new views on long-standing organic processes. Ingredient suppliers grounded in pores and skin biology can meet tendencies with out being pushed by them, guaranteeing longevity and relevance.
Meet our visitor: Dr Jule Lexa Völzke, Supervisor of Product Design & Improvement at CLR Berlin

With a background in chemistry and analysis expertise in bioanalytics, Dr Jule Lexa Völzke works in product design and growth for beauty energetic elements at CLR Berlin GmbH.
She collaborates carefully with CLR’s R&D departments to bridge the hole between shopper wants and the science of the pores and skin, with the goal of growing efficient skincare options.
Based in 1926, CLR Berlin brings almost a century of experience in fermentation and plant extracts. With a powerful deal with pores and skin biology, the corporate develops pure and efficient energetic elements designed to enhance pores and skin well-being. Jule’s work sits on the coronary heart of this strategy, guaranteeing every energetic is scientifically constant, related, and genuinely helpful.
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Lorraine Dallmeier is a Biologist, Chartered Environmentalist and the CEO of Method Botanica, the award-winning on-line natural beauty science college. Learn extra about Lorraine and the Method Botanica Crew.

