Core Insights - The emergence of "plant callus" as a key term in the cosmetics industry is highlighted, with multiple extracts from rare plants like snow lotus and peony being registered with the National Medical Products Administration [1][2] - The technology of plant callus cultivation allows for controlled, soil-free production of active plant ingredients, addressing issues of supply stability and sustainability [1][9] - The trend indicates a shift towards "green manufacturing," positioning callus technology as a new productive force in China's beauty industry [1][8] Industry Developments - Since 2025, plant callus has rapidly gained attention in the cosmetics sector, with six related ingredients registered, five of which were completed in 2025 [2][3] - Notable companies involved in this trend include Water Sheep Co., Huaxi Kou, and innovative upstream firms like Weiming Shiguang and Baiyue Te [1][4][6] - The registration of snow lotus callus powder by Gu Yu brand marks a significant milestone in utilizing rare plants through cell culture technology [4][6] Technological Advancements - Plant callus technology is based on the plant's self-repair mechanism, producing undifferentiated cells that secrete beneficial compounds for skincare [12][13] - The cultivation methods include solid and liquid culture techniques, with liquid culture allowing for industrial-scale production [14][16] - The ability to control environmental factors in callus cultivation enables customized production of active ingredients, enhancing research efficiency and production stability [17][21] Market Implications - The technology addresses the instability of traditional plant supply chains, providing a consistent and high-quality source of active ingredients [9][20] - Companies like Water Sheep emphasize the importance of technological solutions to overcome raw material shortages and promote high-quality standards in the cosmetics industry [9][18] - The shift towards plant callus technology represents a sustainable and scalable production model, aligning with consumer expectations for environmentally friendly products [28][29] Future Directions - The industry is exploring three main pathways: upgrading existing raw materials, providing sustainable alternatives for endangered plants, and integrating technology with AI and synthetic biology [25][27][28] - The ongoing development of plant callus technology signifies a broader transition in the beauty industry towards resource-efficient and environmentally friendly practices [29]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emergence of "plant callus" as a key focus in the cosmetics industry, driven by technological advancements in plant tissue culture, which allows for sustainable and controlled production of rare plant extracts [3][5][16]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Since 2025, plant callus has rapidly become a focal point in the cosmetics sector, with multiple new raw materials being registered, including extracts from high-altitude snow lotus and night-blooming cereus [5][6]. - The registration of plant callus extracts is seen as a significant innovation in raw materials, reflecting a shift towards "green manufacturing" in the beauty industry [4][14]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - Plant callus technology enables the controlled production of active plant ingredients, overcoming challenges associated with traditional extraction methods, such as batch variability and sustainability issues [4][14]. - The technology allows for the regeneration of endangered plants, providing a sustainable alternative to wild harvesting [4][27]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Major brands like Gu Yu and Shui Yang have successfully registered plant callus extracts, indicating a growing acceptance and investment in this technology within the industry [7][9]. - Collaborations between brands and innovative companies are increasing, as seen with Huaxi Kou and Wei Ming Shi Guang, which have developed anti-aging products using plant callus extracts [9][10]. Group 4: Production and Supply Chain - The plant callus technology allows for year-round, stable production of high-quality, uncontaminated raw materials, addressing the supply chain issues faced by traditional plant sourcing [14][27]. - The ability to produce plant extracts in a controlled environment mitigates risks associated with climate and seasonal variations, ensuring a consistent supply for brands [14][29]. Group 5: Future Directions - The article suggests that the future of plant callus technology lies in its integration with AI and synthetic biology, which could optimize cultivation conditions and enhance production capabilities [32]. - The shift towards sustainable practices in the beauty industry aligns with consumer expectations for environmentally friendly products, positioning plant callus technology as a key player in this transformation [32][33].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful B+ round financing of the innovative company "未名拾光" (Unnamed Light), which focuses on bioactive raw materials, emphasizing its growth trajectory and the strategic use of AI in its operations [2][4]. Financing Overview - "未名拾光" has completed multiple financing rounds since its establishment in 2021, with the latest B+ round raising several million RMB, following significant investments from major players like 欧莱雅 (L'Oréal) and 纳爱斯集团 (Nais Group) [2][3]. - The company has raised funds in six rounds, with notable amounts including approximately 500 million RMB in the Pre-A round and nearly 1 billion RMB in the A round [3]. Technology and Innovation - The company has developed an "AI + synthetic bio" platform for material innovation, focusing on applications from daily care to medical uses, enhancing product design and production efficiency [4][5]. - The AI engine leverages tools like AlphaFold to improve R&D efficiency, achieving a fivefold increase in development speed for innovative raw materials [5]. Production Capabilities - "未名拾光" employs a dual-cell factory model, utilizing both microbial and plant cell factories to produce various protein products, including peptides and collagen [6]. - The company has successfully induced callus tissue from over 80 rare plant species, with three extracts already registered as new cosmetic raw materials, showcasing industry-leading technology transfer efficiency [6]. Business Model - The company operates under a "self-research + CRDMO" model, focusing on both independent innovation and collaboration with downstream brands for new raw material development [8]. - The approach includes reverse development based on customer needs, particularly in the extraction of rare plant materials, and the creation of specialized collagen types for targeted applications [8]. Future Outlook - The completion of the B+ round financing marks a significant milestone for "未名拾光," indicating a new phase of technological, market, and production capacity development, which is expected to invigorate the industry [8].