Posted on 30th April 2025

Introducing Naolys Active Plant Cell Technology

Plant culture suspended in liquid medium

Delivering full-spectrum plant power to every formulation

At Unifect Ltd, we are always on the lookout for innovative, sustainable, and effective solutions to support our clients’ formulation needs. One of the most exciting technologies we’ve come across in recent years is Naolys Active Plant Cell Technology. This is not just another extract. It’s a complete, bioavailable plant cell, designed to deliver measurable results with minimal formulation challenges.

What is Naolys Active Plant Cell Technology?

 

Developed in Bordeaux, France by Dr. Ennamany and his team, Naolys has spent over two decades perfecting a patented method to culture plant cells in a lab setting. These aren’t plant extracts or isolated actives, they are full, living plant cells. These cells retain their natural architecture, rich with phyto-compounds, and can be grown sustainably from a single plant sample.

The cells are totipotent, meaning they contain everything the plant needs to regenerate. They are naturally packed with polyphenols, lipids, peptides, vitamins, and other biologically active compounds. Most importantly, the lipid membrane of each cell is biomimetic, structurally similar to the intercellular lipids of human skin. That means these cells are not only rich in nutrients, but also incredibly effective at delivering them.

Why Formulators Should Pay Attention

 

One of the key advantages of Naolys technology is its compatibility with a wide range of formulations. These cells are available in multiple forms, each designed for specific applications and formats:

Available Formats

Standard (Dispersed in Glycerine)
Ideal for emulsions, gels, and classic skincare bases. Minimum usage: 0.5%

S-Gly (Sonicated in Glycerine)
Water-soluble, perfect for transparent formulas or emulsions. Minimum usage: 0.5%

S-SO (Sonicated in Sunflower Oil)
Oil-soluble for anhydrous formulations, balms, lip care, and rich creams. Minimum usage: 0.5%

Powder (-P)
Versatile for dry formulations, powder-to-cream, or pre-dispersed use in emulsions. Minimum usage: 0.1%

M-Cells (Cream)
Designed for make-up and SPF products. Dispersible and ready for direct integration. Minimum usage: 0.3%

These formats offer real flexibility across product types—from light emulsions to rich balms, serums to powders, and even colour cosmetics. Whether you’re working in water, oil, or hybrid systems, there’s a form of Naolys plant cell that will slot into your process with minimal modification.

 

Easy to Work With

 

Naolys plant cells are not just effective—they’re formulator friendly. Here are a few key formulation benefits:

  • Stable across a wide pH range (2 to 12)

  • Heat stable up to 80°C for 30 hours

  • No impact on colour, texture, or stability

  • No interference with other raw materials or actives

  • Can be added at the end of a formulation or during processing

Even powder forms are straightforward—simply pre-disperse in oil or water before incorporation. Cells can be added with impellers, deflocculators, or high-shear mixers depending on the desired texture

A Sustainable Advantage

 

Naolys technology is built on a foundation of sustainability. Because the cells are grown from a single plant tissue sample, there is no need for agricultural land, harvesting, irrigation, or pesticides. The environmental impact is minimal and production is fully traceable and scalable.

  • Infinite supply from a single plant source

  • No seasonal or regional dependency

  • Production based entirely in France

  • 1 ton/month capacity for liquid formats

  • 50 kg/month for powders

  • Low MOQ: 500g for all formats

This makes it possible to scale from niche to global production without compromising on ethics, consistency, or lead times.

Proven Performance

 

Naolys offers a diverse catalogue of over 70 plant cell actives, each targeting specific mechanisms:

  • Anti-ageing

  • Brightening

  • Hydration

  • Purifying

  • Soothing

  • Vitality and protection

All active cells undergo in vitro testing, and many have been validated through clinical trials. The result is a portfolio that speaks not just to efficacy but also to transparency and trustworthiness.

Custom Cell Development

Plant cell culture in petri dish

 

Naolys also offers custom solutions for brands seeking a proprietary story or a signature ingredient. Through their customisation programme, you can:

  • Select your plant species

  • Choose between Classic Cells, Sister Cells (two strains from one plant), or Plant Shells (cells enriched with encapsulated actives)

  • Co-develop actives with bibliographic support, efficacy testing, and full development protocols

Custom development typically takes six months and results in a unique, branded ingredient you can own.

The Bottom Line

 

Naolys Active Plant Cells offer a rare combination of scientific integrity, environmental responsibility, and commercial versatility. For formulators, they deliver on every front—functionality, flexibility, and performance—while giving your marketing team a powerful story to tell.

At Unifect Ltd, we are proud to partner with Naolys and make these incredible actives available to UK formulators. Whether you’re launching a new line or upgrading an existing product, Naolys provides the innovation to help you stand out.

Interested in sampling or formulation guidance?
Contact us today and let’s explore how Active Plant Cell Technology can elevate your next project.

Written by

Paul Teasdale 
General Manager
Unifect Ltd