8. Ruiyan Wang - Bloomage

Please briefly introduce yourself, your company and your role

I graduated from Tsinghua University and currently serve as the General Manager of the Raw Material R&D Centre at Bloomage.

I am fully responsible for managing the research and development of bioactive materials, which includes overseeing platforms for synthetic biology, microbial fermentation and purification, efficacy mechanisms and applications, as well as innovative chemical modifications.

In my role, I lead the R&D of bioactive materials with a focus on bio-manufacturing, innovating production methods for active ingredients to provide the market with low-carbon, green, and sustainable cosmetic materials.

We concentrate on six main categories of actives, including functional sugars, proteins, peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, and natural bioactive compounds.

What do you consider to be your most significant achievement to date – whether it’s a specific project, collaboration, or partnership – that has helped shape your professional journey?

During my time at Bloomage, I built our synthetic biology R&D platform from the ground up, which supports the company's strategic direction. We didn't just establish a comprehensive and leading synthetic biology R&D platform; we also formed a top-tier R&D team.

Our results have been remarkable, successfully launching several innovative products, including various specifications of hyaluronic acid, ergothioneine, and ectoine, all of which have received widespread recognition from clients and consumers.

I also led the initiative to build the Biological Manufacturing Science and Technology Museum in Tianjin. These venues are designed with a futuristic and technological aesthetic, using diverse high-tech methods like special effects, simulation, and modern lighting to showcase the mysteries of the biomanufacturing industry to the public.

These exhibitions serve not only as displays but also as important platforms for science education. We are dedicated to promoting awareness and application of bio-manufacturing technology across various industries, and the establishment of the Biological Manufacturing Science and Technology Museum will serve as an important platform for advancing cutting-edge technology.

These achievements have not only propelled my professional growth but have also deepened my understanding of the potential of bio-manufacturing in driving innovation within the health and beauty sectors. They have reinforced my appreciation for the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and inspired me to continue seeking new partnerships to transform scientific discoveries into practical applications that benefit society.

What inspires your work, and how do you stay motivated to continue driving innovation in the industry?

The primary factor that motivates me is my deep passion for the personal care industry. This industry is not just about beauty and health; it encompasses the intersection of science and innovation, and how we leverage these innovations to improve people's lives and protect our shared planet.

Firstly, the development of raw materials and end products in personal care is a field full of challenges and opportunities. Unlike traditional extraction and chemical synthesis methods, we utilise bio-manufacturing technology to develop our raw materials. This cutting-edge science enables us to design and construct new biological systems to produce personal care ingredients. Not only can we create safer and more effective products, but we can also meet consumer demands for health and beauty.

Secondly, bio-manufacturing represents green, environmentally friendly production technologies. They reduce reliance on natural resources, lower carbon footprints during production, and significantly decrease the use and emissions of hazardous chemicals. This is crucial for the sustainable development of both the Earth and humanity. Being involved in such work makes me incredibly proud. I know that our efforts are not just for commercial gain; they also aim to drive society toward a more sustainable future.

Lastly, the key to maintaining motivation lies in the continuous pursuit of innovation. The cosmetics industry evolves rapidly, which keeps my curiosity and enthusiasm for learning alive. We are committed to exploring more efficient and safer cosmetic ingredients and end products to provide health, beauty, and happiness to humanity. We believe that as long as we keep exploring, we can continually drive innovation in the industry and deliver more value to consumers.

In summary, my passion for science, pursuit of health and happiness, sense of responsibility toward the environment, and relentless quest for innovation all motivate me to keep advancing in the personal care industry.

What trends do you foresee in the APAC personal care and beauty industry?

In the Asia-Pacific region, the future development trends of the personal care and beauty industry are closely tied to green practices and sustainability, reflecting a growing global emphasis on environmental protection. The industry is shifting toward more eco-friendly production methods.

The integration of technologies is becoming a key factor for brands to stand out. The application of synthetic biology, artificial intelligence (AI), regenerative medicine, and mRNA technologies not only enhances product efficacy but also reduces environmental impact.

In the area of anti-ageing products, consumers in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly focused on maintaining youthful and healthy skin, driving innovation and development in anti-ageing solutions. Meanwhile, whitening and soothing products are also gaining popularity, with consumer demand for these products on the rise.

The skin care market is gradually shifting towards functional skin care and cosmeceuticals, with medical products becoming more accessible through various consumer channels. This trend indicates that consumers have higher expectations regarding product efficacy and safety. We are committed to providing consumers with clearly explained products.

As more active ingredients enter the market, developers will need to conduct further foundational research to clarify their mechanisms of action, dose-response relationships, and suitable applications.

Open innovation and the optimisation of regulatory standards are propelling the industry forward, ensuring product safety and establishing real-world research mechanisms.

Regarding pricing, as market competition intensifies, product prices are likely to become more rational and cost-effective. Besides, the cosmetics industry may experience a consolidation towards leading brands, which typically have stronger market influence and consumer trust.

Finally, products will not only focus on efficacy but also return to the essence of cosmetics as a comprehensive experience, emphasising refined skin feel and pleasurable emotional experiences.

These trends not only reflect the growing consumer demand for health, environmental responsibility, and personalisation but also indicate that the personal care and beauty industry will continue to evolve in an innovation and technology-driven direction to meet increasingly discerning consumer needs.

What advice would you give to young professionals looking to make an impact in the APAC beauty industry?

My advice is to continuously track and master new technologies and apply them within the industry. This sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and the integration and innovation of technology are key drivers of its development.

As mentioned earlier, cutting-edge technologies like synthetic biology, AI, regenerative medicine, and mRNA are reshaping the research and production of beauty and personal care products. Staying informed about and practicing these new technologies will help you remain competitive in product development and market strategies.

In addition, building an interdisciplinary knowledge base is crucial. The beauty industry involves not just science but also art, design, marketing, and various other fields. By engaging in cross-disciplinary learning, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the industry and uncover new opportunities.

Finally, actively participate in industry exchanges and collaborations. Join professional organisations, attend industry conferences and seminars, and connect with peers. These activities can help broaden your horizons, learn from others' success stories, and establish your professional network.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

In the future, I hope to leverage biomanufacturing technologies to create more bioactive substances and biomaterials that provide consumers with safer, more effective, and environmentally friendly personal care solutions. I aim to reduce environmental impact, improve resource utilisation, and decrease carbon emissions and waste generation, aligning with global sustainable development goals.

Moreover, I aspire to promote the depth and breadth of biomanufacturing applications in the personal care industry, increasing public recognition of biotechnology and genetically modified products to meet people's health and beauty needs.

Ultimately, I hope my work can contribute to human health and advance society through technological innovation. This is not just a scientific pursuit but also my commitment to a better future.