Today’s consumers seek skincare products that are effective, pleasant to use, meaningful, and aligned with their values. To meet these expectations, Sophim presents Face Cream: a lightweight facial cream that combines the benefits of grape seed oil with high-performance natural actives, mainly derived from olives. This demo formula highlights three of our flagship ingredients: Phytosqualan, Insapolive, and Phytowax®.
Sensoriality, hydration, and naturalness: meeting today’s skincare trends
The cosmetics industry is constantly evolving to reflect market expectations. In 2025, your customers are seeking products that combine sensorial pleasure, proven efficacy, and ethical sourcing. As a brand, you now face the challenge of delivering formulas that balance enjoyable textures, natural ingredients, and visible results. In this fast-changing landscape, certain actives stand out by meeting all these criteria simultaneously. One such ingredient is squalane—a biocompatible molecule whose popularity continues to rise in facial skincare formulations.
A market driven by sensoriality and naturalness
According to a Mintel analysis conducted in 2024, over 70% of U.S. consumers place high value on texture and sensorial enjoyment in the skincare products they use. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, the beauty routine is perceived as a moment of well-being and self-care. At the same time, claims related to naturalness are surging: between 2019 and 2023, the number of new cosmetic product launches featuring ethical or environmental benefits nearly tripled worldwide.
This trend reflects a broader shift towards ingredients that are traceable, sustainable, and backed by proven efficacy. In this context, plant-based squalane – a key component of the Face Cream demo formula – has experienced a significant resurgence in interest.
Squalane: a fast-rising ingredient in skincare
According to Mintel, the number of cosmetic products containing squalane increased by 75% between 2019 and 2023. Today, 1 in every 25 new beauty products launched globally includes squalane. While it is mainly used in facial skincare and color cosmetics (such as foundations and blushes), it is also gaining traction in haircare, with a remarkable +187.7% growth over the same period.
Phytosqualan by Sophim, our plant based squalane obtained through hydrogenation of olive derived squalene, is highly valued for its emollient properties, its biocompatibility with human skin and its ability to strengthen the skin barrier. Its silky and non greasy feel also makes it an ideal choice for modern formulations seeking to deliver premium sensoriality.
Phytosqualan, Insapolive, and Phytowax®: natural actives at the heart of the formulation
The Face Cream formulation is built on a water-based phase enriched with a carefully selected oil phase. It features several ingredients developed or distributed by Sophim:
Refined grape seed oil: a plant-based cosmetic oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E
- Phytosqualan (5%): upcycled, plant-based squalane derived from olives ;
- Phytowax®10L40 (3.5%): hydrogenated olive oil ester with a low melting point ;
- Phytowax®16L55 (3.5%): hydrogenated olive oil ester with a higher melting point ;
- Insapolive (0.5%): olive oil unsaponifiables naturally rich in squalene, a key component of human sebum ;
- SkinFeel TOCO 70 (0.2%): a blend of non-GMO sunflower oil and tocopherol (vitamin E).
This demonstration formula showcases the unique qualities of three internally developed cosmetic ingredients: Phytosqualan, Insapolive, and Phytowax®.
Phytosqualan: a flagship active ingredient from upcycling
Phytosqualan is a 100% plant-based squalane, derived from olive oil industry co-products and upcycled according to circular economy principles. This process transforms underused by-products into high-quality cosmetic ingredients. Certified by COSMOS and NATRUE, Phytosqualan reflects a sustainable, high-performance, and environmentally respectful approach.
In cosmetic applications, it acts as a deep moisturizer, reinforces the skin’s lipid barrier and enhances formulation texture. In this facial cream, it delivers a modern, silky feel without any greasy residue.
Learn more: the benefits of squalane for the skin
Insapolive: a concentrate of nourishment and protection
Insapolive is composed of the unsaponifiable fraction of olive oil, naturally concentrated in squalene. It offers valuable properties as a cosmetic active, including preventive action against transepidermal water loss, protection against free radicals and strong moisturizing power. Squalene, which occurs naturally in human sebum at concentrations between 14% and 16%, ensures optimal biocompatibility and is non-comedogenic. It also enhances sensoriality thanks to its light and non-greasy texture.
Phytowax® : pour une texture veloutée
Phytowax® range of natural, emollient waxes: Phytowax®10L40 and Phytowax®16L55. These hydrogenated olive-derived esters provide application comfort, help reduce soaping effect and deliver a light, pleasant skin feel. They work in excellent synergy with the other key ingredients in Face Cream to offer a nourishing cream that is easy to apply and optimally absorbed by the skin.
A demo cream that reflects Sophim’s expertise
Face Cream perfectly illustrates the responsible use of natural cosmetic ingredients in the formulation of an effective, natural and sensorial facial care product. It showcases Sophim’s expertise in using green chemistry ingredients while meeting the growing demands of consumers for naturalness, performance and sensorial pleasure.
This formula offers concrete inspiration for developing a modern facial care range that respects both the skin and the environment.
Would you like to receive a sample or discuss this formula or our olive-based ingredients with our team? Contact us at +33 (0)4 92 33 17 17 or via our online form.