Unifect
Unifect is a UK-based B2B distributor of natural active ingredients for cosmetic and personal care manufacturers, formulation houses, and brands, offering 2,000+ specialty ingredients from 25+ international suppliers and serving customers including The Body Shop and Jo Malone.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersEngland, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Unifect does
Unifect Ltd is a UK-based B2B distributor of specialty active ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry, operating from Liss, Hampshire since 2002. The company curates a portfolio of more than 2,000 ingredients sourced from over 25 international suppliers across France, Italy, Japan, Korea, the United States, and other countries, with a stated emphasis on natural and sustainably-sourced actives. Its product range covers plant cell technologies (Naolys plant cell cultures and ExoCell exosome extracts), bio-surfactants (Re:Lameil), low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HydroHA 800Da), autophagy peptides (AQUATIDE), growth factors (T-EGF), vegetable emulsifiers (PHYTOCARE range), brightening complexes (SpecPlex Gloss), and preservatives (VANCITRIX), supplemented by the DesignFlow AI-assisted formulation software distributed for formulation development use.
The business is sales-led and relationship-driven, targeting UK cosmetic manufacturers, formulation houses, brand owners, consultants, distributors, and home enterprises. Commercial flow begins with sample requests (50g standard size, 24-hour turnaround for in-stock items) and converts into quote-based bulk orders, with joint technical visits alongside supplier partners for deeper product application support. Customers include The Body Shop, Jo Malone, Liz Earle, Oskia London, and Neal's Yard Remedies.
Unifect is independently owned as a family business, with no disclosed institutional investors, funding rounds, acquisitions, or public-market activity. Operating geographies are restricted to the United Kingdom. Headcount is reported at 11-50. Revenue is not publicly disclosed. The company's strategic posture emphasizes technical education, content marketing through its blog, attendance at industry trade events, and curation of supplier innovations — translating into 20+ years of continuous operation and a recurring cadence of new product launches into 2025-2026.
Unifect firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Unifect
- Legal name
- Unifect Ltd
- Website
- https://unifect.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Unifect is a UK-based B2B distributor of natural active ingredients for cosmetic and personal care manufacturers, formulation houses, and brands, offering 2,000+ specialty ingredients from 25+ international suppliers and serving customers including The Body Shop and Jo Malone.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Unifect industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cosmetic Ingredient Distribution
- NAICS
- Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers (4246)
- SIC
- Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Natural, Organic & Clean Beauty Distribution (CRAOAEAM)
Keywords
Where Unifect is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- England
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Unifect business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Cosmetic Ingredients Distribution: Distribution and resale of specialty cosmetic ingredients to B2B customers including manufacturers, formulation houses, and cosmetic brands. Revenue generated through product sales with typical sample requests followed by bulk orders.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | B2B ingredient sales with sample requests |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels2 records
Unifect product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Unifect is a UK-based specialist distributor of over 2,000 cosmetic and personal care ingredients, with emphasis on natural active ingredients sourced from 25+ international suppliers. The company serves as a market knowledge partner for cosmetic manufacturers, formulation houses, and brand owners, providing ingredient samples, bulk supply, technical expertise, and formulation support. Its portfolio spans plant cell actives, peptides, growth factors, bio-surfactants, emulsifiers, hyaluronic acid derivatives, brightening complexes, and AI-assisted formulation software.
Product overview
Unifect is a UK-based supplier of cosmetic and personal care ingredients offering a portfolio of over 2,000 active ingredients with emphasis on natural and sustainable sources. The product range includes: (1) Plant cell technology ingredients from Naolys featuring whole active plant cells for anti-aging, hydration, brightening, and soothing; (2) Bioactive peptides and growth factors including T-EGF (transdermal EGF) and AQUATIDE autophagy peptides; (3) Natural emulsifiers from NATURALIS including PHYTOCARE-PG (almond/pomegranate), PHYTOCARE-KT (shea butter), and PHYTOCARE-OL (olive oil); (4) Advanced hyaluronic acid solutions like HydroHA (800Da) with cellular-level penetration; (5) Skin brightening complexes including SpecPlex Gloss and SpecPlex Gloss-M; (6) Bio-surfactants like Re:Laméil from fermented olive oil; (7) Carrier systems such as ARROZE (rice bran niosomes) and PINEAPPLE CERAMIDE; (8) Vitamin complexes like Vita 8 Complex; (9) Specialized ingredients including VANCITRIX (grapefruit extract), EXOLIVE (olive squalane), OvernightEnhance (night repair); (10) AI-assisted formulation software DesignFlow for automated formulation optimization. The company also distributes ExoCell® plant exosome technology and PureGreen Vegan PDRN for advanced skincare.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- InnerLift Calendula Premium calendula-derived active ingredient using Naolys plant cell technology, designed to rejuvenate and hydrate skin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits; supports skin regeneration and promotes a youthful appearance. For cosmetic manufacturers and formulators.
- Unifect TAN-GLO DHA Self-tanning active ingredient (Dihydroxyacetone) that creates a natural tan-like appearance through Maillard reaction with amino acids in the skin's surface cells; provides UVA photoprotection through induced cutaneous pigmentation. For self-tanning cosmetic formulations.
- PHYTOCARE-PG Vegetable-origin O/W emulsifier combining almond oil with punicic acid from pomegranate seed oil; provides barrier repair, moisturizing, and nourishing functions with allergen-free, GMO-free, vegan, and multi-region regulatory certifications. For cosmetic formulation houses and manufacturers.
- DesignFlow AI-Assisted Formulation Software AI-assisted formulation tool offered as SaaS that automates machine learning algorithms to provide real-time insights into product performances; requires no statistical background and features a reverse engineering module that brings chemists straight to optimal product quality from specified targets. Decreases time and cost-to-product by up to 10X. For cosmetic R&D chemists and formulators.
- VANCITRIX LIQUID Organic antimicrobial and antifungal compound derived from grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi), high in antioxidants and natural polyphenolic components; contains Naringin bioflavonoid, FDA GRAS listed, organic, and GMO-free. Used as cosmetic preservative and in nutraceuticals.
- T-EGF Epidermal Growth Factor Transdermal Epidermal Growth Factor combining recombinant EGF with transdermal peptide carrier (TD-1) for enhanced skin penetration; boosts skin regeneration, improves elasticity, reduces fine lines, and enhances collagen production. INCI: sr-(Hexapeptide-40 Oligopeptide-232 sh-Oligopeptide-1). For anti-aging cosmetic formulations.
- HydroHA (800Da) Ultra-low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate (800 Da) developed using synthetic biotechnology with patented class II hyaluronidase enzyme; penetrates deeper than conventional HA with triple-core mechanism: mitochondrial repair (66% improvement), autophagy regulation (27% better than alternatives), and inflammation suppression (50% improvement in TNF-α). Boosts Type I collagen production by 77%.
- PHYTOCARE-KT Natural vegetable-derived O/W emulsifier combining shea butter with polyglycerin; free from ethylene oxide and nitrosamines, with maximum skin compatibility and environmental safety. For cosmetic formulations.
- PHYTOCARE-OL Natural vegetable-derived O/W emulsifier combining olive oil fatty acids with polyglycerin; free from ethylene oxide and nitrosamines, offering maximum skin compatibility and biodegradability. For cosmetic formulations.
- SpecPlex Gloss Six-ingredient skin brightening/lightening complex including Lactobionic Acid, Carnosine, Nonapeptide-1, Tranexamic Acid, Mandelic Acid, and Niacinamide; inhibits tyrosinase activity and blocks melanin migration for uniform skin tone and radiance. For brightening cosmetic formulations.
- ARROZE Rice Bran Niosomes Nano-encapsulated niosomes containing bioactive compounds from rice bran (Oryza sativa); delivers actives through hair follicles to inhibit 5-α reductase for anti-hair loss applications. Water soluble, 5-15% usage level. For hair care formulations.
- Re:Laméil Bio-Surfactant Mannosyl Erythritol Lipids (MEL) derived from fermented olive oil using Pseudozyma tsukubaensis; functions as bio-surfactant with lamella repair, barrier enhancement, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. COSMOS/ECOCERT certified, water and oil soluble, 0.1-0.2% usage. For cosmetic formulations.
- SpecPlex Gloss-M Multi-ingredient brightening complex with six actives including Maltobionic Acid, Carnosine, Nonapeptide-1, Tranexamic Acid, Mandelic Acid, and Niacinamide; inhibits melanin production, lightens skin tone, plumps skin, and increases elasticity.
- PINEAPPLE CERAMIDE Ceramide extract from pineapple (Ananas Sativus) containing higher glucoceramides than other fruits; eco-friendly extraction from pressed residues. Functions include skin lightening, barrier support, anti-glycation, and NMF formation via filaggrin and transglutaminase stimulation.
- Vita 8 Complex Multi-vitamin complex (Vitamins A, B, C, E) combining Retinyl Palmitate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Biotin, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, and Pyridoxine; provides anti-wrinkle effects, pore minimization, and skin tone improvement.
- EXOLIVE Olive Squalane High-purity olive-derived squalane (≥92%) that mimics natural skin sebum for lipid integrity restoration and TEWL reduction; Natrue certified, oil soluble, 5-50% usage level. Used in moisturizers, cleansers, lipsticks, and sun care products.
- OvernightEnhance [MJ+C] Night-time skin repair ingredient using Mirabilis Jalapa (four o'clock flower) plant cells enriched with caffeine; uses Naolys plant cell biotechnology to boost mitochondrial activity, reduce oxidative stress, and preserve microcirculation. Available in glycerin, sonicated glycerin, sunflower oil, and powder formats.
- AQUATIDE 5000 SIRT1 activator peptide (HEPTASODIUM HEXACARBOXYMETHYL DIPEPTIDE-12) that reverses aging through autophagy; activates autophagy, increases water retention, ROS scavenging, reduces inflammatory signals and TEWL, strengthens skin barrier, and reduces acne symptoms.
- AQUATIDE Hexacarboxymethyl dipeptide-12 providing epigenetic stress care through three-step protection: moisturization/barrier repair, damage reduction, and remodeling; activates autophagy via Sirtuins and FoxO pathways to prevent cellular senescence under UV stress.
- ExoCell by Naolys Plant Exosome Extract Plant-derived exosome extract from Naolys for next-generation smart skincare; leverages plant cell culture biotechnology to harvest functional exosomes directly from plant cells without genetic modification or animal origin. Features >10^11 vesicles/mL concentration, water-soluble glycerin-based format, room temperature stability for 12 months, typical usage 0.5–2.5%, and modular claims architecture with 70+ plant cell lines for customization.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 2000 specialty ingredients available in portfolio
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Unifect
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Unifect technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature1 record
Unifect partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NaolyscoreFrench biotechnology company specializing in active plant cell technology. Naolys offers over 70 plant cell actives developed through patented plant cell culture methods. Unifect distributes their products in the UK market including ExoCell plant exosome extracts and various plant cell ingredients.
- NATURALIS – life technologiescoreItalian company transforming natural ingredients into technological products for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Supplies PHYTOCARE emulsifiers derived from vegetable sources including olive oil and shea butter.
- SpecChemcoreMajor manufacturer of speciality chemicals and medicinal products with applications from whitening to hair care. Distributes SpecPlex Gloss and SpecPlex Gloss-M multi-active complexes.
- TriBeaute Inc.coreTokyo-based expert active ingredient supplier for skincare, haircare, and nutrition. Supplies Re:Lameil bio-surfactants and Pineapple Ceramide ingredients to Unifect's UK customers.
- Smart CyanominorMicroalgae bioactives specialist with 1000+ algae strains. Provides HydroHA ultra-low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and other microalgae-derived ingredients.
- Chemie ResearchminorLeading manufacturer of concentrated grapefruit seed extract used as cosmetic preservative. Supplies VANCITRIX organic anti-microbial compounds.
- INCOSPHARM CORPORATIONminorWorld-class technical leader in autophagy-based peptides and non-peptide active ingredients. Supplies AQUATIDE products for reverse-aging through autophagy activation.
- Welltech Biotechnology Co LtdminorSpecialized in R&D of active ingredients for dietary supplements, cosmetics, and cosmeceutical products. Supplies ARROZE rice bran extract for hair care applications.
- J2K BIOminorR&D focused bio venture company designing active ingredients from natural materials and microbial fermentation. Supplies Vita 8 Complex multi-vitamin complex.
- ROKA FURADADAminorBarcelona-based deep-tech startup founded in 2019 focused on reducing skin cancer through UV-protective active ingredients with low environmental impact.
- Salnova NutritecminorContract manufacturer for functional foods, beverages, and sport nutrition in the Netherlands, part of Driessen Group (est. 1932). Supplies T-EGF transdermal growth factor.
- PEBANI SACminorPeruvian company established in 1996 specializing in natural products, medicinal plants, superfoods, and natural cosmetics with sustainable supply chain.
- Bio-Nest Biochemical Technology Co LtdminorBiochemical technology company providing specialty ingredients for cosmetics.
- DERMALABminorKorean R&D company with university and research institute network developing materials for consumer health and quality cosmetics.
- JARVIS BOTANICAL EXTRACTSminorUK supplier with 40+ years servicing the cosmetic industry, specializing in natural botanical extracts and floral waters.
- MAFCOminorSupplier of Magnasweet pure licorice derivatives used for moisturizing, softening, and flavor elimination in lip and skin products.
- KHUSH INGREDIENTS LTDminorFine chemicals, essential oils, and natural ingredients supplier for aromatherapy, flavour, fragrance, and personal care with organic and ISO certifications.
- DANJOUNGBIO CO LTDminorGlobal natural science company with 3000+ natural plant extracts developed through extraction expertise.
- ZUPLEXminorManufacturer of standardised extracts from unique and established botanicals using innovative technologies.
- EVDminorFrench company sourcing the best liquorice plants and creating high quality extracts and derivatives tailor-made for cosmetic formulations.
- CoptisminorCreator of industry standard cosmetic R&D software solutions enabling efficient development project management and information reliability.
- CosmactminorSupplier of organic virgin Karanja seed oil with natural SPF 15-20 and antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- HelioscienceminorWith 20 years in sun protection, specializes in evaluating quality, safety, and efficacy of sun protection products with fast reliable testing.
- Vege TechminorUS manufacturer of vegetable proteins and plant extracts using enzymatic and cold process extraction to boost molecular levels of active ingredients.
- Société du GhassoulminorExtracts the only known Rhassoul Clay deposits in the world for innovative cosmetic applications.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Unifect competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Lucas Meyer Cosmetics (IFF): Specialty supplier of cosmetic actives, phospholipids, and botanical ingredients now part of IFF. Lucas Meyer competes with Unifect's portfolio of biotech and natural actives targeting the same premium skincare and personal care brand customers.
- Azelis: Global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor with a large personal care and cosmetics vertical. Azelis serves the same formulation houses, manufacturers, and brand customers as Unifect, but at far greater geographic and SKU scale, making it the most direct comparable peer.
- Univar Solutions: Global chemical and ingredients distributor with a dedicated personal care and beauty specialty business. Univar offers surfactants, actives, and formulation ingredients to cosmetic manufacturers, overlapping substantially with Unifect's portfolio and customer base.
- Caldic: Specialty ingredients distributor focused on personal care, food, and pharma across Europe, Americas, and APAC. Caldic's personal care division distributes actives, surfactants, and botanical ingredients to similar formulation and brand customers as Unifect.
- Barentz International: Specialty ingredients distributor serving personal care, pharma, and food markets in Europe and beyond. Barentz's personal care business sources and distributes actives and botanical ingredients with a similar B2B sales-led model to Unifect.
- IMCD N.V. International specialty ingredients distributor with a substantial personal care business, supplying actives, emulsifiers, and botanical extracts to formulators and brands. IMCD competes head-to-head with Unifect in the European natural and specialty active ingredients space.
Broad incumbents
- Evonik Industries: Global specialty chemicals company with a personal care and cosmetics business covering actives, specialty surfactants, and delivery systems. Evonik's Care Solutions division overlaps with Unifect's ingredient categories and serves similar formulation customers.
- Croda International: Major UK-based specialty chemicals company with a large personal care division offering actives, emollients, and botanical ingredients. Croda manufactures many ingredients that Unifect distributes, positioning it as both a potential supplier and broad competitor.
- Innospec Performance Chemicals: Specialty chemicals company with a personal care division supplying surfactants, emollients, and active ingredients. Innospec's Performance Chemicals segment addresses the same formulation and brand customers as Unifect but with significantly broader geographic reach.
- BASF Personal Care: One of the largest global suppliers of cosmetic ingredients, including actives, UV filters, surfactants, and polymers. BASF competes across most of Unifect's ingredient categories but as part of a much broader chemicals portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Unifect social profiles
Digital presenceUnifect financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Unifect leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Unifect funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Unifect M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Unifect
What does Unifect do?
Unifect is a UK-based specialist distributor of over 2,000 cosmetic and personal care ingredients, with emphasis on natural active ingredients sourced from 25+ international suppliers. The company serves as a market knowledge partner for cosmetic manufacturers, formulation houses, and brand owners, providing ingredient samples, bulk supply, technical expertise, and formulation support. Its portfolio spans plant cell actives, peptides, growth factors, bio-surfactants, emulsifiers, hyaluronic acid derivatives, brightening complexes, and AI-assisted formulation software.
Is Unifect a public or private company?
Unifect is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Unifect founded?
Unifect was founded in 2002. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Unifect based?
Unifect is headquartered in England, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Unifect make money?
One revenue line is on record: cosmetic Ingredients Distribution.
Who are Unifect's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Lucas Meyer Cosmetics (IFF), Azelis, Univar Solutions, Caldic, Barentz International and IMCD N.V.. Broad incumbents are Evonik Industries, Croda International, Innospec Performance Chemicals and BASF Personal Care.
Does Unifect have an API?
No public API is recorded for Unifect.
What industry is Unifect in?
Unifect's product category is Cosmetic Ingredient Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAOAEAM, Natural, Organic & Clean Beauty Distribution. Its NAICS code is 4246 and its SIC code is 2840.