What Naolys does

Naolys is a French biotechnology company founded in 2003 by Rachid Ennamany and headquartered in Cestas (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) that manufactures plant cell-derived active ingredients for the cosmetics industry. The company's foundational technology is a patented industrial-scale plant cell culture process — cultivated in controlled bioreactors rather than via agricultural extraction — that produces active ingredients without pesticides, fertilizers, seasonal dependency, or exploitation of endangered species. Naolys maintains an in-house "infinite cell bank" of more than 70 plant species and offers three proprietary cell architectures (Classic Cells from a single species, Sister Cells combining two cell strains of the same species for synergistic phytochemistry, and Plant Shell/Coquillage cells enriched with encapsulated molecules), four delivery forms (Standard dispersed, S-Gly water-soluble, S-HT oil-soluble, and 100% Powder), and a next-generation ExoCell® exosome platform launched in 2025 that activates skin cell communication through mechanisms such as SUMOylation-driven epigenetic regulation.

The commercial model is B2B ingredient supply under a direct-sales motion. Naolys sells to cosmetic brand manufacturers, skincare/personal care producers, and formulation houses, with dedicated regional sales directors for Europe/LATAM and APAC and distributor channels established in the US (2011) and Asia (2012). Pricing is quote-based and undisclosed; ingredients are sold at minimum recommended concentrations of 0.1% (powder) or 0.5% (liquid forms). The catalog is organized into seven benefit ranges — anti-ageing, brightening, defense, hydration, soothing, purifying, and vitality — and spans application surfaces including face care, hair care, and makeup, with 29 products backed by clinical testing and 100+ in vitro studies across the portfolio.

Naolys is a privately held Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS) with €2M registered capital; no funding rounds, external institutional investors, or parent companies are disclosed. The company has invested in a multi-year sustainability and certification stack — EcoVadis Platinum (79/100, 2023) maintained as Gold in 2024, alongside COSMOS Natural, NATRUE, and ISO 16128 — and reports headcount in the 51–100 range. Recent activity shows an intensive product cadence: more than 15 new active ingredients launched across 2025, an ExoCell® platform launch, two consecutive BSB Beauty Innovation Awards (SpotLight Goji 2024, InnerLift Calendula 2025), and a global rebrand marking the company's 20-year anniversary.

Name

Naolys

Legal name

NAOLYS

Website

https://naolys.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Naolys is a French biotech firm, founded in 2003 in Cestas, that manufactures patented plant cell-derived active ingredients for B2B cosmetic brands, offering 70+ species, four cell forms, and ExoCell® exosome technology backed by clinical testing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic Active Ingredients

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Personal Care & Cosmetic Ingredients (IMAEABAJ)

Keywords

• Plant cell actives
• Cosmetic active ingredients
• Plant cell biotechnology
• Biotech beauty ingredients
• Plant exosome cosmetics

Headquarters

HQ city

Cestas

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Plant Cell Active Ingredients: Naolys generates revenue by developing and selling proprietary plant cell-derived active ingredients to B2B customers in the cosmetics industry — cosmetic brands, formulation manufacturers, and ingredient distributors. Ingredients are sold in multiple forms (liquid dispersed, liquid water-soluble, liquid oil-soluble, powder) and cell types (classic, sister cells, plant shell/exosome). Pricing is typically based on concentration and form, with minimum concentrations starting at 0.1% (powder) and 0.5% (liquid forms).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Naolys manufactures and sells cosmetic active ingredients produced through patented plant cell culture biotechnology, cultivating plant cells in controlled bioreactors rather than via traditional agriculture. The portfolio delivers active ingredients across four cell types (Classic Cells, Sister Cells, Plant Shell/Coquillage, and ExoCell® plant exosomes), four physical forms (Standard, S-Gly water-soluble, S-HT oil-soluble, Powder), and seven benefit categories (anti-ageing, brightening, defense, hydration, soothing, purifying, vitality). Customers include cosmetic brands, formulators, and ingredient distributors serving skincare, haircare, makeup, and men's care finished products.

Product overview

Naolys is a French biotechnology company and pioneer in plant cell culture, offering a comprehensive portfolio of active cosmetic ingredients derived from plant cells. The core product consists of plant cell actives organized into seven benefit-based ranges (Anti-ageing, Brightening, Defense, Hydration, Soothing, Purifying, Vitality) available in four cell types (Classic Cells, Sister Cells, Plant Shell/Coquillage, ExoCell® exosomes) and four forms (Standard, S-Gly water-soluble, S-HT oil-soluble, Powder). The portfolio includes over 70 plant species with 29 clinically tested products. Highlighted flagship products include Aethelis Granata (exosome-based anti-ageing), Firm Perfection Hibiscus² (sister cells firming), and Soothing Light Apple Tree (soothing). The company also offers specialized collections for Active Hair Care, Active Makeup, and Face Care for Men. A proprietary Cells Bar comparison tool enables customers to select ingredients by benefit, plant type, certification, and formulation requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Soothing Light Apple Tree Classic cell active ingredient derived from Malus domestica (apple tree) plant cells, designed to reduce inflammation, soothe skin and rebuild the protective skin barrier. Targets inflammatory messengers and reduces vasodilation causing redness. Available for cosmetic formulators.
• Aethelis Granata Exosome-based anti-ageing active ingredient using Punica Granatum (pomegranate) plant exosomes. Activates skin cell adaptive responses through SUMOylation modulation for epigenetic regulation, improving intercellular communication and biological regeneration. Sold to cosmetic brands formulating premium anti-ageing products.
• Firm Perfection (Hibiscus)² Sister cells product combining Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Hibiscus syriacus plant cells. Provides structural firmness through coordinated action on pyroptosis modulation, cellular anchoring and tissue structuring. High in caffeoyl, coumaroyl and sinapoyl acids for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and protective properties.
• MReload Séquoia Multi-functional day and night cream active ingredient for men using Sequoia plant cells. Provides anti-ageing, hydration and protection benefits tailored for thicker male skin exposed to environmental aggressors. Sold to men's skincare brand formulators.
• Foreseen Shield Nopal Defense-focused active using Opuntia ficus-indica (Nopal cactus) plant cells. Provides natural DNA protection against UV rays with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Reduces wrinkle surface area and length through immunomodulating action. Sold for defense-focused face care formulations.
• Healthy Shine Lilac Hair vitality active using Syringa vulgaris (lilac) plant cells. Targets overall hair health with shine and sebum control benefits. Multi-level action: energy production at hair root, anti-inflammatory protection at scalp, and cuticle repair on hair shaft. Sold to haircare brand formulators.
• EtHAIReal Menthe poivrée Purifying scalp active using Mentha piperita (peppermint) plant cells. Regulates sebum through 5α-reductase enzyme inhibition and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits for oily scalps.
• HairRevive [MM+Zn] (Plant Shell / Coquillage) Plant Shell (Coquillage) combining Malva moschata (musk mallow) plant cells enriched with encapsulated zinc. Anti-ageing hair care active targeting hair density, shine and lifecycle through VEGF stimulation for follicular blood supply and sebum regulation.
• All Fiber Booster Chinese hibiscus Firming/restructuring active using Hibiscus rosa-sinensis plant cells. Stimulates production of collagen, elastin and proteoglycans in the dermis while enhancing keratinocyte regeneration in the epidermis for firmer, more elastic and resilient skin.
• Purify Apothecary's rose Revitalizing active using Rosa gallica (Apothecary's rose) plant cells. Combines regenerative, anti-inflammatory and revitalizing properties targeting stressed, irritated and dull skin through cell renewal stimulation and cellular respiration optimization.
• Purify Aloe vera Revitalizing active using Aloe vera plant cells. Combines regenerative, anti-inflammatory and revitalizing properties for stressed, irritated and dull skin, developed using Naolys's patented plant cell culture technology.
• HydraGeneration Rose aux cent feuilles Hydration-focused active using Rosa centifolia (cabbage rose) plant cells. Balances water and lipids in the epidermis, boosts skin hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. Clinically tested with visible results from application and after 28 days.
• LightWaves Defense [JS+M] (Plant Shell) Plant Shell (Coquillage) combining Jasminum sambac (Indian jasmine) plant cells with encapsulated mangosteen. Provides comprehensive protection against UV, IR and blue light radiation, preserving mitochondrial DNA and stimulating collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid synthesis.
• Overnight Enhance [MJ+C] (Plant Shell) Plant Shell (Coquillage) combining Mirabilis jalapa (four o'clock flower) plant cells with encapsulated caffeine. Optimizes nocturnal skin regeneration and metabolic exchanges through mitochondrial activity stimulation and antioxidant protection.
• Light&Energy Ginkgo Energy-boosting active using Ginkgo biloba plant cells. Stimulates skin's energy metabolism through ATP production, boosts antioxidant defenses and restores complexion radiance. Targets tired, dull skin or skin exposed to intense lifestyle.
• Light&Energy Orpin rose Energy-boosting active using Rhodiola rosea (rose root) plant cells. Adaptogenic plant known for resistance to extreme stress, stimulating ATP production and providing antioxidant protection against free radicals.
• Full Energy Cédrat Main de Bouddha Energy-boosting active using Citrus medica (Buddha's hand citron) plant cells. Stimulates mitochondrial respiration, increases ATP production and provides antioxidant defense against UVB-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.
• Full Energy Vanille Energy-boosting active using Vanilla planifolia (vanilla) plant cells. Revitalizing and rebalancing properties for tired skin, boosting ATP production and providing antioxidant protection through controlled cell culture cultivation.
• Essential Being Jasmin indien Vitality active using Jasminum sambac (Indian jasmine) plant cells. Triply targets cellular respiration, intercellular communication and epidermal renewal through increased KI-67 expression for enhanced keratinocyte proliferation.
• Balancing Energy Ginseng Energy-boosting active using Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) plant cells. Targets skin fatigue with revitalizing properties, stimulating both basal and mitochondrial respiration for ATP production and providing antioxidant protection through lipid peroxidation reduction.
• ExoCell® Plant Exosome Technology Platform Next-generation active ingredient technology platform using plant exosomes derived from Naolys's infinite cell bank of 70+ plant species. Enables custom exosome manufacturing, epigenetic regulation of skin cells, and reactivation of cellular communication. Sold as a technology platform alongside finished actives such as Aethelis Granata.

Quantifiable outcome

• EcoVadis Platinum score of 79/100 — top 1% of companies assessed (2023)
• +6 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Planète UrgencecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Climate sponsorship partnership with the NGO Planète Urgence, established in 2022 as part of Naolys' climate patronage program to contribute to the resilience of the plant world and environmental conservation.
• SurfRider Foundation EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership for contribution to biodiversity preservation with the SurfRider Foundation Europe NGO, initiated in 2020 as part of Naolys' environmental commitment to the resilience of the plant world.
• Institut Botanique de BordeauxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrengthened partnership with the Botanical Institute of Bordeaux, supporting Naolys' environmental strategy and biodiversity preservation goals through scientific collaboration in plant research.
• Cosmetic ValleyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaolys joined Cosmetic Valley in 2024 to strengthen access to and exchange of best practices in the cosmetics sector, particularly regarding CSR commitments and sustainability standards.
• EcocertcoreOthersEcocert handles COSMOS Approved certification for Naolys' active ingredients at the request of clients. Naolys' liquid form actives are COSMOS Natural compliant, and Ecocert processes the COSMOS Approved designation upon client request.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mibelle Biochemistry: Swiss company specializing in plant cell culture and biotechnology for cosmetic active ingredients. Most direct comparable to Naolys given shared plant cell culture technology platform and B2B ingredient focus on premium cosmetic brands.
• Silab: French company developing natural active ingredients for the cosmetics industry, including plant-derived and biotechnology-based actives. Direct peer sharing Naolys' French origin, B2B cosmetic ingredient model, and focus on scientifically validated natural actives.
• Provital Group: Spanish specialty ingredient manufacturer producing plant-based active ingredients for cosmetics, including cell culture-derived products. Comparable B2B model serving cosmetic formulators with similar active ingredient portfolio.
• Vytrus Biotech: Spanish biotechnology company producing plant-derived cosmetic active ingredients using plant cell culture and biotechnology. Direct peer with similar technology approach (plant cell-based actives) and B2B cosmetic customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Symrise: German specialty ingredients company serving the cosmetics, personal care, and food industries. Competes with Naolys in cosmetic active ingredients as part of a diversified flavors, fragrances, and nutrition portfolio.
• Givaudan Active Beauty: Swiss global leader in flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic active ingredients. Operates a broad active beauty portfolio including biotech-derived ingredients, competing with Naolys in the same B2B cosmetic ingredient category but at vastly greater scale and with a much wider product range.
• Seppic (Air Liquide): French specialty ingredient subsidiary of Air Liquide producing cosmetic actives, excipients, and polymers. Shares Naolys' French base and B2B cosmetic customer model but operates with broader product lines and corporate backing.
• dsm-firmenich: Global Dutch-Swiss specialty ingredients company formed from the merger of DSM and Firmenich, with a large personal care and cosmetic actives portfolio including biotech and plant-based ingredients. Competes with Naolys across the full B2B cosmetic ingredients value chain.
• Croda International: British specialty chemicals company with a substantial personal care actives division serving cosmetic brands globally. Offers overlapping plant-derived and biotech-based actives at significantly larger scale than Naolys.
• BASF Care Chemicals: German chemical giant with a Care Chemicals division supplying cosmetic and personal care active ingredients. Overlaps with Naolys in plant-derived and biotech cosmetic actives but serves customers as part of a much broader chemical portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInfr.linkedin.com/company/naolys
• Instagraminstagram.com/naolys_cells
• Xx.com/naolys_cells

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Naolys