Estonian biotechnology company ÄIO has teamed up with natural cosmetic brand tilk! to launch their first commercial skincare product using ÄIO’s bio-fermented RedOil.
Developed in partnership with tilk!, the new serum combined ÄIO’s RedOil with marine and plant-based actives, ÄIO said on 7 April.
Produced from upcycled organic side-streams, RedOil is rich in antioxidants, carotenoids and essential fatty acids and offers retinol-like skin renewal benefits without irritation, supporting skin barrier function, hydration and resilience against environmental stressors, according to the company.
Tilk!’s formulation expertise and commitment to natural cosmetics had played a key role in bringing the product to market, ÄIO said.
“RedOil is not only effective on skin, but it represents a new way of thinking about cosmetics, using upcycled resources to create high-performance actives,” said Pille Lengi, CEO and formulator at tilk!.
Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), ÄIO processes agricultural and wood industrial waste into ingredients for the food, cosmetics and oleochemical industries.
Using specialised yeast fermentation, ÄIO’s technology converts sugars extracted from sawdust and other agricultural residues into oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and pigments.
The company said its yeast-derived ingredients were suitable for use in a range of cosmetics applications, from soap to facial moisturisers and serums, and makeup formulations with specialised pigments.
