Medical aesthetic products. The beginning of the end for palm oil? Palmless unveils first consumer product

THE WHAT? The platform for sustainable palm oil alternatives, Palmless has launched its first consumer product. Save the F#$%ing Rainforest nourishing oil, as the dual-purpose skin and hair care product has been dubbed, contains Palmless signature ingredient, Torula oil.

THE DETAILS The biodesigned emollient is made from yeast and serves as an exemplar for brands in the industry, demonstrating that there are viable palm oil alternatives out there. The nourishing oil is being sold online at gopalmless.com as a limited edition.

THE WHY? By launching this product, Palmless hopes to pave the way for more innovation in the beauty industry to tackle the climate challenges, environmental and societal issues posed by the US$64 billion palm oil industry. Shara Ticku, Co-Founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences, the creators of Palmless, explains, “Torula oil is a world-class ingredient, and we wanted to introduce it with a world-class, high-performing formula. Not only is nourishing oil fun to use and deeply hydrating, it also showcases that we can launch beautiful products that meet the highest sustainability standards by leveraging biodesign and biotechnology.”

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.