In an industry where buzzwords come and go, biotechnology has proven to be more than a trend—it’s a transformation. And for over two decades, Lubrizol has been quietly leading that transformation.

While many beauty brands are just beginning to explore biotech, Lubrizol has been building a robust, science-backed platform since 2001. Today, we’re proud to be recognized not just as a supplier of biotech-derived ingredients, but as a strategic innovation partner for brands seeking high performance active ingredients, sourced sustainably.

A Legacy Rooted in Extremes

Our journey began with extremophiles—microorganisms that thrive in the harshest environments on Earth, from Antarctic ice to hypersaline salt flats. These high-potential microorganisms produce extremolytes, protective molecules that help them survive extreme conditions like high radiation, dehydration, and oxidative stress. Lubrizol was among the first to harness these extremolytes for cosmetic use. Through proprietary biotechnology, we’ve developed a library of actives that deliver clinically proven benefits:

A bacterial strain, Pseudoalteromonas Antarctica NF3, isolated from an Antarctic glacier found to produce large amounts of exopolymeric substances that shield the skin from the effects of cold eather.
An Exiguobacterium sp. isolated from the Eastern Pyrenees mountains, Spain, that was able to survive the “augmented” radiation from holes created by the erosion of waterfalls, where water accumulates producing a magnifying glass effect of the light received. It was found to produce large amounts of glucidic and peptidic material that could reduce visible signs of photoaging.
Halomonas sp. isolated from in the Agua Amarga salt marsh, Spain, which is submitted to almost constant droughts and dramatic increases in salinity. It was found to contain powerful signaling mechanisms helping its niche to adapt to stress, which, in skin, could enhance epidermal intercellular communication to improve hormonally-aged skin.

What’s Next

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more about how Lubrizol’s biotech capabilities are shaping the future of skincare—including a behind-the-scenes look at our fermentation platforms, our approach to sustainable sourcing, and the relaunch of one of our most exciting biotech ingredients. Whether you’re developing your next hero product or rethinking your sustainability strategy, Lubrizol’s biotech expertise is here to help you lead with confidence.

From the Deep Sea to Your Skin: Lubrizol’s 20+ Year Journey in Biotech Beauty