Akott Evolution

What Akott Evolution does

Akott Evolution Srl is a privately-held Italian specialty ingredients company founded in 1997 by Annaclaudia Ottavi and headquartered in Milan. The company researches, develops, and produces high-functional actives, botanical extracts, and specialty ingredients for the global cosmetic and personal care industry. It operates four product lines — AKOACTIVE (ancient-civilization-inspired luxury actives), AKOWELL (holistic wellness actives), ITALINE (upcycled Italian agricultural by-product actives — tomatoes, olive, artichoke, pomegranate, blueberry, grapes), and AKOSKY (biotech actives derived from microalgae, sprouts, and plant stem cells) — supplemented by the AKOBIOL botanical extracts catalogue. The portfolio includes 25+ named actives, each backed by in vitro and clinical efficacy testing.

Manufacturing is conducted in-house at a GMP-certified facility established in Milan between 2020 and 2022, equipped with ultrasound extractors, sprouting machines, percolators, and turbo emulsifiers. The company holds ISO 9001:2015, UNI EN ISO 22716:2008 (GMP), COSMOS, NATRUE, Halal, Vegan Friendly, Cruelty Free, China Approved certifications, and has nine actives certified under LCA ISO 14067 for sustainability.

Akott sells exclusively B2B via wholly-owned sister companies Kosmag (Italy, since 1997) and Akott France (Paris, opened 2025), branch offices Akott China (Shanghai, 2022) and Akott Naples (R&D pole, 2025), and a worldwide distribution network spanning 60+ countries coordinated by local AKOTT representatives. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and the company operates an offline, inquiry-based sales model with no e-commerce. The customer base comprises cosmetic manufacturers and skincare, haircare, body care, sun care, and color cosmetics brands seeking differentiated, sustainably-sourced actives with documented efficacy and compelling marketing narratives.

Name

Akott Evolution

Legal name

Akott Evolution Srl

Website

https://akott.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Akott Evolution is a privately-held Italian cosmetics ingredient manufacturer founded in 1997 that develops, produces, and globally distributes high-functional botanical actives, biotech ingredients, and upcycled food by-product extracts for B2B cosmetic formulators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic Active Ingredients

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Botanical & Herbal Extracts (Adaptogens, Polyphenols, Essential Oils, Standardized Extracts) (AFAJAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Biological Formulation, Fermentation & Scale-Up Manufacturing (AFABAEAM)

Keywords

• Cosmetic active ingredients
• Botanical extracts
• Upcycled cosmetic actives
• Biotech cosmetic ingredients
• Personal care formulations

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

1. Cosmetic Ingredient Sales (B2B): Akott sells high-functional actives, botanical extracts, gemstone & jewelry powders, and sophisticated oil blends to cosmetic manufacturers and personal care brands. Sales are conducted through direct B2B relationships via sister companies and distribution network, with inquiries handled offline through representatives. Products include multiple lines: AKOACTIVE (luxury actives), AKOWELL (wellness actives), ITALINE (upcycled Italian actives), AKOSKY (biotech actives), and AKOBIOL botanical extracts.
2. Proprietary Marketing Materials and Formulations: The company develops and provides promotional materials including product brochures, portfolio, presentations, samples, and finished product formulations to support customer marketing efforts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Akott Evolution researches, develops, manufactures, and markets high-functional active ingredients and specialty botanical extracts for the cosmetic and personal care industry. The company operates four distinct product lines — AKOACTIVE (ancient civilization-inspired actives), AKOWELL (holistic wellness actives), ITALINE (Italian food by-product upcycled actives), and AKOSKY (biotech actives from microalgae, sprouts, and plant stem cells) — plus the AKOBIOL botanical extracts line, all produced in-house at its Milan facility under GMP.

Product overview

Akott Evolution is a privately-owned Italian cosmetics ingredient company founded in 1997, headquartered in Milan, that researches, develops, and produces high-functional actives and specialties for the cosmetic and personal care industry. The company operates four distinct product lines: AKOACTIVE™ (ancient civilization-inspired actives), AKOWELL™ (holistic wellness actives), ITALINE™ (Italian food upcycling actives), and AKOSKY™ (innovative biotech actives using microalgae, sprouts, and plant stem cells). Akott sells its products worldwide through sister companies in Italy and France, and a global distribution network. The company produces all ingredients in-house at its Milan facility under GMP procedures and certifies sustainability through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AKOACTIVE™ Line: Product line featuring botanical extracts with ancient cultural inspirations (Dragon, Garuda, Horus, Inti, Nile Lily, Queen, Romae)
• AKOWELL™ Line
• ITALINE™ Line
• AKOSKY™ Line
• AKOBIOL™ Line
• Dance&Chemistry

Products and services

• AKOACTIVE DRAGON Skin brightening lipophilic active combining Peony flower extract with 4-Butylresorcinol for reduction of dark spots and improvement of skin radiance and tone evenness; designed for cosmetic manufacturers seeking skin brightening solutions.
• AKOACTIVE GARUDA Firming and lifting active combining Thai Orchid extract with Magnolia Bark extract containing Magnolol and Honokiol to reduce skin roughness, wrinkles, and sagging; targeted at anti-aging skincare formulators.
• AKOACTIVE HORUS Ancient Egyptian-inspired lipophilic active combining Nigella Sativa seed extract and Moringa Oleifera seed oil for antioxidant, moisturizing, and nourishing skin benefits; for natural skincare manufacturers.
• AKOACTIVE INTI Inca mythology-inspired active extracted from Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa) bark for skin relief, soothing, and calming activity; targeted at sensitive skin formulators.
• AKOACTIVE NILE LILY Multifunctional lipoactive combining Yellow Calla Lily flower extract with Bakuchiol for sebum balancing and transformation of oily/blemish-prone skin; targeted at acne and sebum-control formulators.
• AKOACTIVE QUEEN Tudor Rose-inspired active extracted from Rosa Gallica petals for immediate and long-term hydration, anti-fatigue, and skin radiance boost; NATRUE approved for natural cosmetic formulators.
• AKOACTIVE ROMAE Ancient Rome-inspired anti-aging and anti-wrinkle active combining Iris Florentina roots, Myrtle, and Laurel leaves macerated in Honey; for premium anti-aging skincare brands.
• AKOWELL AKNEver Anti-imperfections active blend of White Willow Bark and Meadowsweet Flower, rich in salicylic acid for acne-prone skin wellness; targeted at blemish and acne-treatment manufacturers.
• AKOWELL ENERGY Energizing active combining Beetroot and Ginkgo Biloba leaves to boost skin energy and protect from stress-induced damage; for energizing and anti-fatigue skincare formulators.
• AKOWELL FRESH Anti-odor active combining Usnea barbata Lichen (with Usnic acid) and Myrrh Resin for long-lasting deodorant and antibacterial effects; targeted at deodorant and personal care manufacturers.
• AKOWELL SUN Phytoblend of Marshmallow Roots and Horsetail Leaves that strengthens skin barrier and prevents photo-induced damages for safe sun exposure; for sun care and photoprotection formulators.
• ITALINE A Italian Annurca Apple-based anti-fatigue active for tired skin, reducing dark circles, puffiness, and dull complexion; for eye care and anti-fatigue skincare manufacturers.
• ITALINE B Blueberry-based upcycled active providing blue light protection and skin radiance enhancement using proprietary polyphenol and anthocyanin extraction technology from blueberry juice industry by-products.
• ITALINE C Upcycled artichoke stem-based active providing anti-glycation protection, preserving protein functionality and preventing skin stiffening and wrinkles; for anti-aging manufacturers.
• ITALINE G Body-transforming active combining Italian Red Grape skin and Cold-pressed Coffee Seed Oil for reducing orange peel skin, improving firmness, and reducing Cellulite; for body care manufacturers.
• ITALINE O Upcycled olive by-product active combining Olive Pomace and Olive Vegetation Water rich in biophenols for anti-pollution skin protection; for anti-pollution skincare formulators.
• ITALINE P Organic pomegranate-based active for scalp wellness, improving scalp health by decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators and reducing sebum production; clinically shown to reduce scalp redness, sebum, TEWL, and itching.
• ITALINE T Cold pressed tomato seed oil produced from tomato processing by-products, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and carotenoids including Lycopene; China-approved for use in Chinese cosmetic market.
• AKOSKY APIUM Roman-inspired anti-aging active using cutting-edge stem cell technology from Celery (Apium graveolens) callus extract for rebuilding skin architecture; Bronze Award winner (2014).
• AKOSKY AZUKI Hair growth active derived from Mung Bean and Red Clover sprouts rich in polyphenols that stimulate growth factors for stronger hair and eyelashes; for hair care and lash care manufacturers.
• AKOSKY DANCE Circadian rhythm-supporting active derived from Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) that supports skin repair and maintains epidermal clock function; for chronobiology-focused skincare formulators.
• AKOSKY ETHERNAL Microgreens-activated longevity active using Fenugreek Sprouts to counteract the Pyramid of Aging and restore the Triangle of Youth through collagen balancing; for premium anti-aging manufacturers.
• AKOSKY KISS Lip and face reshaping active using Fenugreek Sprouts that promotes adipocytes to secrete Adiponectin for lip plumping and V-face reshaping; for lip care and face contouring formulators.
• AKOSKY MINDLIGHT Alfalfa sprout-based active that counteracts psychological stress-induced skin damage by reducing cortisol levels through triterpenoid saponins; for stress-related skin care manufacturers.
• AKOSKY PINK BEAUTY Epigenetic DNA protection active from Rose Radish sprouts using ultrasonic extraction for DNA repair and protection from UV damage; targets sun care and anti-aging formulators.
• AKOSKY VANITY Anti-aging microalgae active using Nannochloropsis granulata to stimulate ECM structural proteins production and restore skin elasticity; clinically demonstrated at 2% to significantly increase skin firmness and reduce wrinkles; Halal, Vegan Friendly, and Cruelty Free certified.
• AKOBIOL Botanical Extracts Line Line of botanical extract ingredients derived from various plant-based sources for use as base ingredients in cosmetic and personal care formulations; for cosmetic manufacturers needing standardized plant extracts.

Quantifiable outcome

• 9 actives certified with official Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) ISO 14067
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Akott FrancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Akott France is a sister company established in 2025, located in Paris. It handles promotion and sales of Akott products on the French market, showcasing products on the French stage with the Dance&Chemistry brand identity.
• Akott NaplescoreOthers · 1 January 2025Akott Naples is an R&D pole opened in 2025, expanding the company's research capabilities. Naples branch supports R&D activities as part of the company's expansion strategy.
• Akott ChinacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Akott China is a branch established in 2022 in Shanghai for APAC (Asia-Pacific) distribution network management. Located in China to support regional sales operations and coordinate with the worldwide distribution network.
• KosmagcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1997Kosmag is Akott's Italian distributor since 1997, based in Rome. Originally part of AKOTT Group until the 2016 demerger, Kosmag handles Italian market distribution as a sister company. The relationship is part of Akott's core distribution structure for the domestic Italian market.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Croda International: UK-listed specialty ingredients company serving personal care, beauty, and life sciences. Larger incumbent with overlapping botanical and biotech actives portfolio serving the same cosmetic manufacturers.
• Evonik (Care Solutions): Specialty chemicals division of Evonik providing ingredients for personal care and cosmetics, including bioactives and specialty additives. Larger incumbent with comparable cosmetic actives portfolio.
• DSM-Firmenich (Personal Care): Global nutrition, health, and beauty ingredients group with a Personal Care & Aroma segment supplying cosmetic actives, vitamins, and botanical extracts. Much larger incumbent in the same ingredient category.
• Givaudan Active Beauty: Division of global fragrance and flavors leader Givaudan providing cosmetic actives and functional ingredients. A much larger incumbent offering overlapping cosmetic actives but as part of a broader F&F portfolio.
• Symrise (Diana Food & Cosmetic Ingredients): Global flavor, fragrance, and cosmetic ingredients supplier with overlapping botanical actives and biotech capabilities. Larger incumbent that competes on similar B2B cosmetic formulation platforms.
• BASF Care Chemicals: Global chemical giant with a Care Chemicals division supplying cosmetic actives, UV filters, and botanical extracts. Very large incumbent operating broadly across personal care ingredients, not specialized in Akott's boutique actives niche.

Direct peers

• Provital Group: Spanish manufacturer of natural and botanical active ingredients for cosmetics and personal care, with a similar B2B specialty-ingredients model and comparable product portfolio of plant-derived actives.
• Lucas Meyer Cosmetics (by IFF): Specialty ingredients business within IFF focused on phospholipids, peptides, and botanical actives for the cosmetic industry. Direct competitor in the high-functional cosmetic actives category with comparable B2B customer base.
• Mibelle Biochemistry: Swiss-based developer and manufacturer of bioactive cosmetic ingredients from plant stem cells, peptides, and botanical sources. Closest comparable to Akott in size, business model (B2B actives), and focus on biotech and upcycled botanical actives.
• Seppic (Air Liquide): Air Liquide subsidiary specializing in specialty ingredients including excipients, polymers, and cosmetic actives. Direct competitor in the cosmetic ingredients supplier category with comparable B2B formulation-support model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AkottEvolution
• Facebookfacebook.com/akottevolution
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/akottevolutions.r.l

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries5 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 Akott Evolution