Henry Maso Award for Nelly Dubrulle from DNA Gensee, Genetics for Identification and Safety

8 November 2018

At the IFSCC (International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists) congress in Munich last September, DNA Gensee, a plant biotechnology laboratory expert in DNA analysis of plants and algae, received the Henry Maso Award for Nelly Dubrulle as a young researcher. This award is a continuation of the “Cosmetic Victories” prize received in 2015 from the cosmetics and fragrance sectors. Since its creation, more than 6 years ago, DNA Gensee has developed an expertise in the extraction and sequencing of DNA from raw materials, ingredients and cosmetic, nutritional and health products. In this way, it is possible to identify plant species and trace them during sourcing and throughout manufacturing process.

These genetic analyses make it possible to guarantee the botanical and geographical origin of plant or algal raw materials in order to ensure their authenticity, safety, quality and naturalness.

DNA Gensee has several times demonstrated its expertise and the power of its analyses. For example, DNA analyses have made possible to differentiate fine lavender from lavendins (Les signatures génétiques des lavandes et lavandins : des outils de traçabilité en cosmétique, parfums et nutrition, Annales des falsifications, de l’expertise chimique & toxicologique N°986 – 1, 2017).

This year, our collaboration with Clarins and Codif Technologie Naturelle highlighted metabarcoding analyses. It demonstrated the authentication and traceability of gorse both in the raw material and in CO2 extracts (New genetic approach to identify Ulex species in CO2 extract, Household and Personal Care Today Vol13(3), May/June 2018).

DNA Gensee also identifies all plant species present in hive products through metabarcoding (“Honey revealed by DNA”, The Cosmetics Industry Directory, 2017).

These analyses, which are constantly improving, provide transparency and quality values. They are essential in the fight against adulteration and fraud in all areas using natural raw materials.