Vitalab

What Vitalab does

Vitalab S.R.L. is an Italian green biotechnology company headquartered in Naples (with a registered office in Milan) that develops and supplies proprietary active ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry. Founded in 2011, the company uses plant cell culture technology and food/agricultural by-products to produce a portfolio of 40+ branded ingredients under the "Vita" line, targeting functional claims including anti-ageing, hydration, detox, anti-pollution, eye care, scalp care, sensitive skin, UV protection, nail care, and pore refining. Its R&D platform combines three proprietary extraction technologies (including high-pressure green extraction and 100% water-free processes) with 80+ in vitro assays for claim substantiation, supported by 10 patents and 24 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Vitalab operates as a B2B ingredient supplier, selling actives directly to cosmetics manufacturers and beauty brands through an enterprise field sales motion, supplemented by tailor-made custom ingredient development services and a bioassay platform that walks clients through scientific, regulatory, and marketing claim substantiation. Revenue streams comprise one-time/recurring active ingredient sales, custom development (professional services), and bioassay/claim substantiation services; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Distribution is exclusively direct B2B, with no consumer or retail channel.

The company pursues a Clean, Conscious, and Circular (3C) sustainability strategy, evidenced by COSMOS approval for select ingredients, an EcoVadis Gold Medal (top 5% of assessed companies, two consecutive years through 2021), and partnerships with local Italian farmers and a 200-year-old Italian vineyard for circular sourcing of agricultural by-products. R&D operations are anchored by a long-standing partnership with Arterra Bioscience spa for plant cell culture technology co-development. The company is privately held with 11-50 employees and no disclosed funding rounds, parent company, or institutional investment.

Name

Vitalab

Legal name

Vitalab S.R.L.

Website

https://vitalabactive.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Vitalab is an Italian green biotechnology company that develops and supplies proprietary plant cell culture-derived active ingredients to cosmetics and personal care manufacturers. It sells 40+ branded actives, custom ingredient development, and bioassay claim-substantiation services via direct B2B sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic Active Ingredients

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Personal Care & Cosmetic Ingredients (IMAEABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Ingredient Blends & Systems / Custom Formulation (Seasoning Systems, Functional Blends) (CRADAOAO)

Keywords

• Cosmetic active ingredients
• Plant cell culture technology
• Green biotechnology cosmetics
• Natural skincare ingredients
• Claim substantiation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Active Ingredient Sales: Sale of proprietary cosmetic active ingredients (Vita product line) to cosmetics manufacturers and beauty brands. Ingredients are sold as B2B raw materials for incorporation into final cosmetic products.
2. Custom Ingredient Development: Tailor-made cosmetic innovation service where Vitalab helps determine activity of clients' active ingredients or develops exclusive active ingredients fulfilling client requirements.
3. Scientific Services: Bioassay platform services offering scientific, regulatory and marketing expertise through claim substantiation process for clients.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Vitalab manufactures and supplies proprietary cosmetic active ingredients derived from plant cell cultures, plant extracts, microalgae, and food by-products using green biotechnology. The company sells its "Vita" branded ingredient portfolio to cosmetics manufacturers and beauty brands for incorporation into skincare, anti-ageing, eye care, scalp care, sensitive skin, and UV protection formulations, and also offers tailor-made ingredient development and bioassay-based claim substantiation services.

Product overview

Vitalab is a green biotechnology company specializing in natural cosmetic active ingredients, offering a portfolio of 40+ proprietary active ingredients derived from plant cell cultures, plant extracts, microalgae, and food by-products. The product portfolio includes individual active ingredients (e.g., Bionymph Peptide, Vitis Vita, Vita Cynergy, Vita Hempire, Allure Vita, Vita Botaniguard) organized by functional categories (anti-aging, hydration, detox, anti-pollution, eye care, scalp care, sensitive skin, UV protection, nail care). Additionally, Vitalab offers tailor-made active ingredient development services and a bioassay platform for claim substantiation. The company operates with a Clean, Conscious, and Circular (3C) sustainability strategy, utilizing green biotech techniques including plant stem cell cultures, fermentation, and high-pressure extraction methods.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NC01 BIONYMPH PEPTIDE Purified library of peptides and sugars from Nicotiana sylvestris cell cultures that shields skin from free radical damage, protects genome integrity, extends cellular vitality, reinforces extracellular matrix, boosts skin energy, and reduces wrinkles. Sold as a B2B active ingredient to cosmetics formulators.
• NC02 CELLINTEGRITY Concentrated water-soluble fraction from raspberry cell cultures with anti-inflammatory activity that prevents oxidative damage, protects and repairs DNA, and enhances cellular longevity. B2B active ingredient for cosmetic manufacturers.
• NC08 BERRYFLUX VITA Concentrated oil-soluble fraction from raspberry cell cultures that preserves skin moisture and elasticity, increases hyaluronic acid content, enhances water transport, and improves ceramide production. Covered by patent MI2009A 000905.
• NC07 VITIS VITA Concentrated oil-soluble fraction from Vitis vinifera grape marc that improves cell detoxification, induces hyaluronic acid synthase, stimulates collagen synthesis, and reduces wrinkles. Produced via 100% water-free extraction from a 200-year-old Italian Aglianico vineyard partnership.
• NC33 VITA iLUX Mixture of peptides and sugars derived from Capsicum annuum cell cultures for youthful glowing eye contour. Boosts ECM firming, fights dark circles, drains stagnated liquids, and improves regeneration. Covered by patent WO2007104489.
• NC05 DOLICOS PHOTOPROTECT Concentrated water-soluble fraction from Dolichos biflorus cell cultures providing a multi-dimensional approach to fight photo-ageing by shielding skin from UV damage, detoxifying cells, and preserving genome integrity. Covered by patent MI2012A 001262.
• NC44 VITA ROSALIENCE Infusion of youth factors from Japanese rose embryogenic culture delivering a novel anti-ageing concept based on GDF-11 and mitochondrial biogenesis. Reduces wrinkles and improves skin firmness and elasticity. COSMOS approved. Covered by patent WO2016173867.
• NC53 VITA HEMPIRE Active ingredient from Cannabis sativa plant cells that acts at the root of skin neurogenic inflammation, reduces histamine release and pro-inflammatory mediators, regulates endorphin production, soothes irritated skin, and restores skin barrier. Covered by patent WO2020127056.
• NC52 VITA BEAUTIQUE Active ingredient from pomegranate outer peels generated during juice production that provides brightening effect, homogenises skin complexion, protects skin from atmospheric pollution, preserves squalene, and improves skin exfoliation and radiance.
• NC47 VITA ARCTIC Prebiotic ingredient obtained from wild Arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus) stem cells that promotes skin microbiome balance, acts as immune-system stimulant, and works on four layers of the skin cutaneous barrier. Provides immediate restoration of skin barrier and moisture improvement after 2 hours.
• Allure Vita (NC29) Biotech-based active ingredient from Gardenia stem cells blending glycoprotein-derived peptides and hydro soluble phenols with anti-ageing efficacy. Positively regulates GDF-11, promotes collagen deposition, increases hyaluronic acid synthesis, and improves cellular metabolism. Based on worldwide patented peptide technology for 100% vegan peptides.
• Vita Botaniguard (NC59) Selective ethanolic-based extraction from pomegranate peels, rich in Punicalagin, Ellagic acid, and Gallic acid. Acts as a natural skin-calming ingredient with multitasking effect to fight skin sensitiveness. Clinically tested on 40 volunteers wearing surgical masks 8+ hours/day to address inflammation, sebum overproduction, and barrier healing.
• Vita Adren-Align Active ingredient from Mediterranean fig stem cells rich in stress-related molecules that act against the brain-skin stress connection. Reduces adrenaline flush effects, modulates inflammatory cascade, increases cellular reservoir of ceramides, prevents carbonylated proteins, and attenuates pigment deposition linked to age spots.
• CaffeyeLike Vita Natural Ayurvedic alternative to caffeine inspired by Coleus forskohlii. Designed to protect and revitalize the eye contour area by preventing puffiness, reducing dark circles, tightening skin by preserving collagen reservoir, and attenuating crow's feet wrinkles in 14 days.
• Portulaca Vita Concentrated water-soluble fraction from purslane plants that soothes and hydrates sensitive scalp, improves scalp health, and erases dry flakes. Provides anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, hydrating, antioxidant, DNA protection, and soothing properties.
• From By-Products to Powerful Active Ingredients Collection Portfolio collection of active ingredients obtained from food by-products, covering anti-ageing, hydration, detox, and anti-pollution applications. Produced under the Clean, Conscious, and Circular (3C) sustainability strategy, using 100% water-free extraction and sourcing from Italian agricultural by-products such as grape marc, chestnut shells, pomegranate peels, and artichokes.
• Tailor-Made Active Ingredients Service Custom cosmetic innovation service where Vitalab helps clients determine the activity of their active ingredients or develops exclusive active ingredients that fulfill client requirements. Targeted at cosmetics manufacturers and beauty brands seeking differentiated, proprietary ingredients.
• Bioassay Platform Scientific platform offering 80+ in vitro assays that works in synergy with customers to achieve innovative solutions in the beauty care market. Follows clients through all the claim substantiation process offering scientific, regulatory, and marketing expertise.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Arterra Bioscience spacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 September 2018Long-standing R&D partnership with Arterra Bioscience spa for plant cell culture technology development and cosmetic ingredient innovation. Joint authorship on scientific publications and poster presentations. Shared laboratory facilities and research expertise in green biotechnology applications.
• 200-year-old Italian Vineyard (Aglianico)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with historical Italian vineyard for supply of Aglianico grape marc from wine production. Enables production of Vitis Vita resveratrol-rich active ingredient through 100% water-free extraction. Supports local agriculture and circular economy model.
• Local Italian FarmersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDirect partnerships with local farmers for responsible sourcing of agricultural by-products including artichokes too small for food chain, chestnut shells, and pomegranate peels. Supports good agricultural practices and royalty program for local farming communities.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Croda International: Global specialty chemicals company with a large Personal Care active ingredients portfolio including plant-derived and biotech actives (encompassing Mibelle and Sederma); broader incumbent with overlapping plant cell culture capability.
• DSM-Firmenich: Combined nutrition, health, and beauty ingredients major with a sizable personal care actives portfolio including biotechnology-derived ingredients; broader incumbent competing across cosmetic ingredient categories.
• Givaudan Active Beauty: Global flavors and fragrances major with a dedicated cosmetic active ingredients division offering botanical and biotech actives; broader incumbent competing for the same B2B brand customers.
• BASF Personal Care: Large-scale chemical company with a dedicated personal care and cosmetics active ingredients business offering botanical and biotech actives; broader incumbent with global reach.
• Clariant Active Ingredients: Swiss specialty chemicals company with a personal care active ingredients portfolio including botanical extracts and biotech ingredients; broader incumbent serving similar cosmetics manufacturer customers.

Direct peers

• Provital Group: Spanish manufacturer of natural and biotech-derived cosmetic active ingredients with plant cell culture technology (ProRenew Complex); closely comparable European specialist serving cosmetics manufacturers.
• Lucas Meyer Cosmetics: IFF-owned cosmetic actives specialist offering phospholipid-based and botanical ingredients for skin and hair care; comparable specialty B2B ingredient supplier with similar go-to-market model.
• Mibelle Biochemistry: Swiss developer of plant stem cell-based cosmetic actives (e.g., PhytoCellTec) using plant cell culture technology; the most direct technology and product analog to Vitalab and now part of the Croda group.
• Sederma: Croda subsidiary specializing in bioactive cosmetic ingredients with proprietary peptides and botanical actives; directly comparable B2B active ingredient supplier serving the same brand customers as Vitalab.
• Lipotec (Lubrizol): Spain-based cosmetic actives company (now part of Lubrizol) with peptide technology (Argireline) and botanical actives; comparable specialty ingredient supplier with similar claim substantiation approach.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vitalabactive
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCVN8kw2nwqsg-lwKAx9k0kQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vitalab

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Vitalab