Mibelle Biochemistry's NovoRetin Wins in

Mibelle Biochemistry has won the in-cosmetics Asia Innovation Zone best ingredient Gold award for NovoRetin (INCI: Pistacia Lentiscus Gum/Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum (and) Hydrogenated Lecithin (and) Phenethyl Alcohol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (and) Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (and) Water (Aqua)).

Related: Next-wave Beauty Ingredients

The ingredient was first introduced at in-cosmetics Global in Paris earlier this year. NovoRetin inhibits CYP26 enzymes that degrade retinoic acid, increasing the amount of naturally occurring retinoic acid, the active form of retinol, in the skin.

Based on mastic, a resin from the bark of a tree that grows on the Greek island of Chios, NovoRetin is a natural alternative to retinol. Clinical studies conducted on Caucasian and Asian women showed that NovoRetin increases skin elasticity and density and has an anti-wrinkle effect. In acne-prone skin, NovoRetin reduces retentional lesions, such as blackheads, pore size and shininess, while increasing skin hydration.