Biossance

Overview

Biossance is a skincare brand specializing in products formulated with 100% plant-based squalane derived from fermented sugarcane via biotechnology. It positions itself in the clean beauty market by blacklisting over 2,000 potentially harmful ingredients and emphasizing sustainable, cruelty-free formulations. The brand is notable for its bioengineered squalane, a skin-identical moisturizing molecule central to its product lineup.¹³⁴

History

Biossance originated from biotech research in Berkeley labs starting in 2003, where scientists developed plant-derived squalane initially for malaria treatments that provided over 120 million royalty-free doses. The brand launched in 2016, focusing on skincare applications of this technology. It has been associated with Amyris as a former parent and was later acquired by THG (The Hut Group).³⁴⁵²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products feature bioengineered squalane produced via proprietary fermentation technology from Brazilian sugarcane. Manufacturing details are not specified as in-house or outsourced, but the brand emphasizes biotechnology developed in U.S. labs.³¹

Notable Products

• Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil - Brightening oil serum with stable vitamin C and squalane.
• Squalane + Omega Repair Cream - Rich cream for skin barrier repair using plant-derived omegas.
• 100% Squalane Oil - Pure plant-based squalane moisturizer matching skin's natural lipids.
• Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel - Cooling gel targeting fine lines and puffiness.
• Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer - Lightweight gel with probiotics for hydration and balance.

Reputation

Biossance is perceived positively by clean beauty enthusiasts for its biotech-derived squalane and commitment to sustainability, including UN Global Compact membership via past parent Amyris. Professionals note its effective moisturization and ethical sourcing, though some question the 'clean' claims amid parent company shifts. It holds no BBB accreditation, with limited complaints reported.⁵⁶