NextGen Actives has introduced a new ingredient platform that enables large-scale access to rare, plant-derived exosomes for skin care formulations. The company tapped into saffron for its first ingredient offering, which it will launch at NYSCC Suppliers' Day in June 2025.
Cell Suspension Tech Enables Sustainable Cultivation
Developed in partnership with European biotech firm ABResearch, the platform uses plant cell suspension technology to cultivate high-purity exosomes from small tissue samples — eliminating the need for traditional harvesting and overcoming limitations related to seasonality and supply.
The first application features exosomes derived from saffron, a botanical known for its bioactive properties but historically too rare and expensive for widespread cosmetic use. ABResearch’s process identified specialized cell lines within saffron to enable consistent exosome production in controlled bioreactor environments without damaging the original plant.
Enabling Next-gen Skin Care with Scalable Actives
The extraction method reportedly supports continuous production and maintains the functional integrity of key compounds for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The result is a scalable supply of regenerative bioactives suited for advanced formulations focused on skin renewal and barrier support.
“NextGen Actives is committed to delivering next-generation ingredients that combine scientific precision with the exclusivity today’s luxury consumers demand,” said Elham Tavasoli, Ph.D., president of NextGen Actives.
“Our platform offers luxury skin care brands the ability to integrate the regenerative power of saffron and other rare botanicals — customized for prestige beauty — now available at scale thanks to advanced cell culture technology.”
