Bicosome

What Bicosome does

Bicosome, S.L. is a Barcelona-based, privately-held B2B supplier of science-driven cosmetic ingredients founded in 2012 by scientists from the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). The company develops a portfolio of branded active ingredients built on its patented Bicosome® delivery platform, a biomimetic system that mimics human lamellar bodies to transport actives through the skin's lipid inter-corneocyte spaces using natural, non-GMO lipid vesicles and "smart discs." A parallel Bicohair® platform extends the same approach to haircare via electrostatic cuticle adhesion. The product line spans eleven actives targeting anti-photoaging (Bicotene®), skin/scalp microbiome rebalancing (Bicobiome®, Bicobiome® Skin), brightening (Bicowhite®), algae-derived anti-inflammatory action (Bicoalgae® ω3, Bicoalgae® XT, Bicoalgae® blue), barrier protection (Bicosome® FS) and hair structure (Bicohair® UP, Bicohair® HP).

The company monetizes through ingredient sales (one-time license model) to cosmetic manufacturers and personal-care brands, supplemented by a robust non-dilutive grant pipeline from Spanish ministries and EU programs (ENISA, NEOTEC, Torres Quevedo, SME Instrument Phase 2 Horizon 2020, Eurostars-2, PID, INNOTEC, Industrial Doctorates, and Colaboración Público Privada). Go-to-market is hybrid: direct sales in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, and an exclusive channel-partner distribution network covering more than 25 countries across Western/Central/Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific through partners including Kreglinger, Barentz, Teencharm, IMCD, Ultra Chemical, Surfachem, Disproquima, and Iwase Cosfa. Demand generation relies on industry events (InCosmetics Global, Cosmetorium) and Bicosome's own OneSkin® scientific workshop series. Operational validation includes two consecutive EcoVadis Gold Medals (2022, 2023) placing Bicosome in the top 5% globally for sustainability, a Bronze Award for Best Active Ingredient at InCosmetics Global 2023 for Bicobiome®, and recognitions as a top trend ingredient from Global Cosmetic Industry (2020-2021) for Bicotene® and Bicoalgae® ω3.

Name

Bicosome

Legal name

Bicosome, S.L.

Website

https://bicosome.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bicosome is a Barcelona-based B2B supplier of patented, biomimetic skin- and hair-care active ingredients, built on a lamellar-body delivery platform developed with IQAC-CSIC. It serves cosmetic manufacturers and personal-care brands worldwide through a network of exclusive regional distributors and direct sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic Active Ingredients

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYAFAJAKAL

Delivery Systems & Encapsulation (Microencapsulation, Liposomes, Emulsions, Beadlets, Spray-Dried)

Agriculture & Food Production/Food Ingredients & Additives/Nutraceutical & Functional Ingredients (Vitamins, Minerals, Omega-3s, Botanicals)

Keywords

• Cosmetic active ingredients
• Biomimetic skin delivery
• Dermo-pharmaceutical ingredients
• Hair care delivery systems
• Specialty cosmetic ingredients

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Active Ingredients Sales: Bicosome develops and commercializes advanced skin and hair care ingredients for the cosmetic industry. Their product portfolio includes branded ingredients like Bicosome® FS, Bicotene®, Bicowhite®, Bicobiome®, Bicomide®, Bicoalgae® variants, and Bicohair® products that are sold to cosmetic manufacturers and brands.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bicosome develops, manufactures, and commercializes advanced skin and hair care active ingredients for the cosmetic and dermo-pharmaceutical industry, built on its patented Bicosome® and Bicohair® biomimetic delivery systems. The portfolio of branded ingredients — including Bicoalgae®, Bicobiome®, Bicosome® FS, Bicowhite®, Bicotene®, Bicomide®, and Bicohair® lines — is sold B2B to cosmetic manufacturers and personal care brands worldwide through distribution partners and direct sales.

Product overview

Bicosome is a science-based B2B ingredients company that develops and commercializes advanced skin and hair care ingredients using proprietary biomimetic delivery technologies. The portfolio consists of two core technology platforms: Bicosome® Technology (a patented skin delivery system mimicking lamellar bodies) and Bicohair® Technology (a dual-structure haircare delivery system). The product line includes eleven branded active ingredients: Bicoalgae® blue, Bicoalgae® XT, and Bicoalgae® ω3 (algae-based ingredients with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits); Bicobiome® Skin and Bicobiome® (microbiome-balancing ingredients for skin and scalp); Bicosome® FS (barrier protection for hand sanitizers); Bicowhite® (skin brightening); Bicotene® (anti-photoaging against UV, blue light, and IR); Bicomide® (skin care active); and Bicohair® UP and Bicohair® HP (hair care actives using Bicohair® technology for cuticle protection and repair).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bicoalgae® blue

Quantifiable outcome

• Bicoalgae® ω3 boosts effects by more than 200% compared to non-formulated microalgae extracts
• +2 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kreglinger EuropecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Northern Germany. Kreglinger Europe handles local distribution of Bicosome ingredients with contacts Johan Aerts ([email protected]) and Freek van Baars ([email protected]).
• Tovani - BarentzcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Brazil, handling local commercialization of Bicosome ingredients. Contact: Michelle Lira ([email protected]).
• TeencharmcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for China. Contact: Simon Zhao ([email protected]).
• Quimerico SAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. Contact: Juan Carlos Fajardo ([email protected]).
• Nano Tech Chemical Brothers Pvt. Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for India. Contact: Jasmeen Kaur ([email protected]).
• Omya - PT United Chemicals Inter AnekacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Indonesia. Contact: Sarah Sofia ([email protected]).
• LCM GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Italy. Contact: Marco Colombo ([email protected]).
• IMCD Japan LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Japan. Contact: Saeko Yagi ([email protected]).
• SurfachemcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Poland. Contact: Joanna Kutyla ([email protected]).
• Evolve IngredientscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Malaysia and Singapore. Contact: Tan Shannon ([email protected]).
• Iwase Cosfa (Thailand) Co. Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Thailand since 2022, with over 30 years of experience in distribution of Cosmetics & Personal Care raw materials. Represents expansion into Asia-Pacific territory. Contact: Tomohiro Kaneko ([email protected]).
• Ultra ChemicalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for USA and Canada. Contact: Laura Szymczak ([email protected]).
• DermatechcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Vietnam since 2021. Provides solutions for cosmetic ingredients in a trustworthy, effective and innovative way. Contact: Chi Phạm Thị Ngọc ([email protected]).
• VitachemcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership established June 2021 to distribute with exclusivity the Bicosome line of ingredients in central Europe (Austria, Slovak Republic, and Czech Republic).
• DermatechcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership announced March 2021 for exclusive distribution of Bicosome proprietary line of ingredients from Vietnam, expanding presence in Asia.
• InVita Trade Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Russia established 2009 in Moscow. Distributes wide range of cosmetic, nutraceutical, and functional food raw materials. Positions itself as expert in search of active ingredients. Agreement announced November 2021.
• DisproquimacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for China announced August 2021. Covers one of the main markets in Asia with exclusive distribution of Bicosome ingredients.
• IMCD KoreacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Korea announced August 2021 as part of Asia expansion. IMCD Japan handles Japan distribution separately.
• Profen Life SciencescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Turkey (Middle East) announced August 2021 as part of expansion into Middle East region.
• Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term R&D collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia from the Spanish National Research Council. Resulted in revolutionary biomimetic lipid gel platform technology (two patents acquired February 2023) that can act as substitute for skin's acid mantle. Bicosome was founded by scientists from IQAC.
• NeoalgaeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish company collaborating on DIMASKIN project (Eurostars-2, 2016-2019) for development, formulation and encapsulation of bioactives from microalgae for skincare. Also collaborated on VOPSA project (SME Instrument Phase 2, Horizon 2020, 2016-2018) for microalgae extracts delivery systems.
• Ecofuel LabsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany from Czech Republic collaborating with Bicosome and Neoalgae on DIMASKIN Eurostars-2 project (2016-2019) for microalgae bioactives development.
• Research Group of Separation Techniques in Chemistry (GTS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch group from Autonomous University of Barcelona collaborating on BICOSEL project (INNOTEC, 2019-2021) for development of Bicosome® system incorporating cocktail of compounds for prevention and treatment of skin cancer.
• CRENCOminorOthersIntergenerational educational non-profit project from Fundació Sant Joan de Déu. Bicosome participates in 'Project NANO' bringing basic understanding of nanoworld to young students and retired elders. Students visited Bicosome installations at IQAC-CSIC.
• Beauty Cluster BarcelonaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported the OneSkin global scientific and solidarity event organized by Bicosome, along with Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalunya.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Lipotec (Lubrizol Life Science): Spanish-origin B2B supplier of cosmetic active ingredients with proprietary delivery technologies (e.g., peptide-based and encapsulation platforms), now part of Lubrizol. Directly comparable to Bicosome as a specialty European actives house with patented delivery IP sold to global cosmetic brands.
• Provital Group: Spanish-headquartered producer of natural and biotech cosmetic active ingredients serving global cosmetic brands, with a strong biomimetic and probiotic positioning. Highly comparable geography, customer base, and product philosophy to Bicosome.
• Silab: French independent B2B manufacturer of natural cosmetic active ingredients derived from biotechnology and plant science, with proprietary delivery and efficacy validation. Directly comparable as a privately held, science-based specialty actives supplier of similar scale.
• Lucas Meyer Cosmetics (IFF): Supplies phospholipid-based and biomimetic cosmetic active ingredients with proprietary delivery systems to global cosmetic brands, now part of IFF. Closely comparable technology and business model: B2B specialty actives with platform IP, global distribution, and science-led positioning.
• Sederma (Croda Beauty): Croda's specialty cosmetic actives subsidiary, offering patented bioactive ingredients for skin and hair care with proprietary delivery and efficacy data. Directly comparable as a B2B actives house combining proprietary biotech-inspired IP with global brand customer base.
• Mibelle Biochemistry: Swiss B2B developer of bioactive cosmetic ingredients, including those based on encapsulation and biomimetic delivery. Comparable to Bicosome in being a science-driven specialty actives supplier with patented platforms serving global cosmetic brands.
• Codif Technologie Naturelle: French developer of marine- and plant-based cosmetic active ingredients using proprietary extraction and stabilization technologies. Comparable as a niche European specialty actives house selling branded, science-backed ingredients into the global cosmetic industry.

Broad incumbents

• Croda International: Global specialty chemicals and personal care ingredients company, parent of Sederma and other actives brands. Operates broadly across cosmetic and personal care ingredient markets and competes with Bicosome for formulary slots at major beauty brands.
• Givaudan Active Beauty: One of the world's largest cosmetic active ingredient portfolios, offering broad delivery and encapsulation platforms including biotech actives. Comparable as an active ingredient supplier serving the same cosmetic brand customers, but at much greater scale and breadth than Bicosome.
• DSM-Firmenich (Perfumery & Beauty): Global beauty ingredients giant offering vitamins, UV filters, peptides and delivery systems for cosmetic formulations. Competes with Bicosome in the same procurement slots at major brands but serves a much wider product range and geography.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bicosome
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bicosome

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bicosome