For Bioli, the ELLE Awards nomination is about more than recognition. It helps bring attention to a field that remains relatively underrepresented in the skincare conversation: biotechnology.
Bringing biotechnology into skincare
Across fashion, there are growing efforts to extend garment lifespans, develop new materials and reduce waste. And in food and beverage, even more has happened, with biotechnology already playing a significant role in developing new ingredients and addressing some of the industry’s biggest challenges.
In skincare, however, the industry still has some fundamental problems to solve. From natural skincare, which is still perceived as the best solution despite containing potential allergens and irritants, to layers of unnecessary packaging and plastic that may be recyclable but often isn’t, and glass that causes transport-related emissions, there is plenty of room for improvement – and innovation.
Biotechnology could be part of that change – helping us rethink how ingredients are made, how products are developed and how environmental impact can be reduced without compromising efficacy.
What is biotech skincare?
Broadly speaking, the skincare industry relies on two main approaches: natural ingredients extracted from plants and other biological sources, and synthetic ingredients produced through chemical processes. Natural ingredients can contain complex mixtures of compounds and vary depending on their source, harvest and processing. Some botanical ingredients can also contain naturally occurring substances that may cause sensitisation or irritation in susceptible individuals.
Biotech skincare uses biotechnology to produce ingredients and materials in controlled environments, often using microorganisms such as yeast, bacteria or fungi. Instead of extracting an ingredient directly from plants or relying on petrochemical feedstocks, biotechnology can allow specific molecules and materials to be produced through fermentation and other biological processes.
This opens up a different way of thinking about skincare. Biotechnology can help produce ingredients with a high degree of consistency and targeted functionality, while potentially reducing the resources required to make them. It can also enable entirely new approaches to materials and packaging. Bioli uses biotechnology for both.
Bioli's skincare formulas contain bioactive enzyme technology and other biotech ingredients developed through biotechnological processes with targeted efficacy, refined textures, a focus on skin compatibility and a lower environmental impact. The packaging is made using fermented microorganisms and designed to biodegrade after use.
A growing biomovement
Bioli was founded in Denmark in 2021 with the ambition to improve skin health while minimizing the environmental impact of skincare. The first product, Moisturizing and Protecting Day Cream, launched in 2025. In 2026, Bioli expanded the range with the Clarifying Cleanser and Exfoliator and Strengthening Serum, while also expanding into European markets.
The ELLE nomination comes just 1.5 years after the launch of Bioli’s first product and marks another step in bringing biotechnology into the wider skincare conversation.
“We are incredibly proud of the nomination, but perhaps even more so of what it represents: a growing awareness of the change we need to make together for the health of our skin and our planet. There is so much potential to rethink how ingredients are made, how products are developed, and how we can reduce environmental impact without compromising efficacy. We are very grateful to ELLE for putting biotechnology on the agenda and recognising new approaches to beauty and skincare innovation. The biomovement is growing!”
– Nina Wiberg Rosenquist, Founder and CEO of Bioli
Read the full release from ELLE and see all nominees across the 10 categories. The winners will be announced November 6, 2026.
