In a recent issue of HPC Today, the peer-reviewed journal dedicated to personal care and dermatology innovation, Balint Koroskenyi, Ph.D., Scientific and Technical Director at Symrise AG, highlighted a growing trend in formulation science: multifunctional ingredients. As brands look to simplify formulas and speed up development cycles, ingredients that deliver several benefits at once are becoming increasingly valuable to formulators.
Adding HAP to our development pipeline is a natural step for us
Among these, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP) has emerged as one of the most compelling. Since Symrise first introduced it to the market in 2013, HAP has steadily built a reputation as a powerhouse ingredient—often outperforming traditional single-function actives.
Why HAP Stands Out
HAP is valued for three key attributes:
This combination makes HAP highly relevant at a time when consumers demand gentler, cleaner, and more effective formulations. Currently, this prized molecule is obtained either through chemical synthesis or from natural sources.
A Natural Supply Chain Under Pressure
Naturally occurring in several plants—including a Latin American herb, an Alpine fruit-bearing species in the rose family, and Norway spruce—global supply of natural HAP is subject to climate-related disruptions, harvesting limitations, and unstable raw-material availability. This is creating a gap between demand and dependable sourcing.
Where Aplantex Sees an Opportunity
Aplantex’s CEO, Patrick Charest, explains the strategic fit:
“As climate change puts increasing pressure on conventional HAP supply from natural sources, our photosynthetic phytoreplicators offer a reliable, local, and fully controlled way to produce this type of molecule. Adding naturally produced HAP to our development pipeline is a natural step for us—pun absolutely intended.”
With Aplantex’s platform capable of sustainably producing high-purity plant-derived ingredients at scale as a high-value alternative to chemical synthesis, HAP is becoming an attractive candidate to complement the company’s portfolio of bioactive molecules.
The Bottom Line
Hydroxyacetophenone is more than a trend—it’s a versatile ingredient gaining real momentum. If Aplantex brings a stable, natural and sustainable source of supply to market, it could help reshape how formulators incorporate multifunctional actives into next-generation high-end cosmetics.
Is your supply chain for plant-based molecules underperforming – and affecting your productivity and profitability? Do you want to receive molecules that meet your specifications on a regular and reliable basis? Do your concerns include sustainable development and the circular economy?
We’re here for you!
© Aplantex 2026 | Création faste.ca
Forms protected by reCAPTCHA | Terms of use - Privacy policy
