Unveiling Biotech Innovations in Skin Longevity: an interview with Dr. Òscar Expósito, CEO and CSO at Vytrus Biotech, on exosomes, glass skin and last patented advances
Dr. Òscar Expósito
CEO and CSO at Vytrus Biotech
Clarivine™, exosomal peptides and resveratrol are part of Vytrus’ latest developments in skin longevity. What makes this innovation so relevant in today’s cosmetic science landscape?
Indeed, Clarivine™ represents a major breakthrough for cosmetic science, combining plant stem cell biotechnology, natural exosomes, and the biological principle of fasting into a powerful 100% natural active. Developed from Vitis vinifera stem cells, Clarivine™ introduces what we call Plant Fasting Factors—a unique secretome rich in polyphenols, exosomal peptides, and notably, exosomal resveratrol. These molecules activate key cellular pathways such as autophagy, telomere protection, and oxidative stress reduction. The result is not only a rejuvenated skin appearance but also enhanced cellular longevity.
What’s remarkable is how Clarivine™ biomimetically induces skin detoxification, mirroring intermittent fasting, but through a topical approach. The clinical results show improvements in wrinkles, hydration, pigmentation, and the coveted glass skin effect in just 14 days, making it one of the most exciting innovations we’ve brought to market.
Vytrus is actively exploring plant exosomes. What do these natural vesicles offer, and how is your characterization strategy enhancing their use in cosmetics?
Plant exosomes have captivated our research due to their natural origin and sophisticated biological functions. At Vytrus, we've developed a detailed characterisation pipeline to study the molecular content of these vesicles—especially from stem cells of Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, and Vitis vinifera.
We’ve discovered that plant exosomes are not only safe and biocompatible but also naturally carry exosomal peptides and lipophilic molecules like resveratrol, which act as intercellular messengers and biological enhancers. Our approach allows us to selectively enrich these vesicles, making them potent tools in skin and hair applications. This has been validated in our latest patent applications and clinical studies, especially within the framework of Clarivine™ and our other patented ingredients like Centella Reversa™ and Capilia Longa™, both of which have received recent recognition at the BSB Innovation Awards 2025.
You’ve recently secured a US patent for wound-healing applications. How does this fit into Vytrus’ broader innovation and business strategy?
This US patent is a key milestone in our IP portfolio. It covers the wound-healing and rejuvenation activities of several Vytrus ingredients, including Clarivine™ and Centella Reversa™, protecting their use for skin regeneration and healing until 2038.
The patent reflects our long-term R&D vision: to develop multifunctional actives that go beyond beauty, touching therapeutic-like functionalities, always through natural plant biotechnology. From a strategic perspective, the US is our second-largest market, and securing intellectual property rights there strengthens our global positioning and supports our +76% global sales growth in the first quarter of 2025.
Clarivine™ and other actives recently gained international recognition. What do these awards mean for Vytrus?
The awards are a testament to the consistency and scientific robustness of our innovation process. Clarivine™ was awarded Best Innovation at in-cosmetics Global 2025 and Innovation Award at Ingredient Cosmetic Indonesia 2025.
Additionally, Centella Reversa™ and Capilia Longa™ were honoured at the BSB Innovation Awards, reinforcing our leadership in the field of natural exosomal peptides. These recognitions not only validate our science but also give global visibility to a biotechnological approach that is ethical, sustainable, and 100% natural—a rarity in the high-performance cosmetic space.
Sustainability seems to be a core pillar at Vytrus. What ESG actions have marked this year, and what’s next?
2024 and 2025 have been transformative for Vytrus in terms of ESG. We officially joined the United Nations Global Compact, formalised a new ESG strategy with Roots for Sustainability, and participated in initiatives like the Sustainable SME Program and Beauty Sustainability Week.
Among tangible achievements, we reduced packaging waste by moving to 100% recyclable containers, saved over 64,000 tons of water thanks to our plant stem cell platform, and launched a Diversity Plan that includes social inclusion practices within our workforce. We also received the Ecovadis Platinum Medal again in 2025, placing Vytrus among the top sustainability-rated companies globally.
What does the future hold for Vytrus Biotech in terms of biotechnology and cosmetics innovation?
We’re moving into a phase where plant exosomes, exosomal peptides, and biomimetic mechanisms will dominate the new generation of cosmetics. Our next steps include further exploring cross-kingdom communication through vesicles and characterization processes, and expanding our direct commercial model in Europe to bring our innovations closer to brands and formulator. The long-term vision remains: to align cutting-edge plant science with sustainability and create impactful, patentable innovations that are as biologically effective as they are ethically and environmentally responsible.
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https://www.vytrus.com/
EMAIL ADDRESS:
info@vytrus.com
