The Southeast Asian shift: The future of botanicals and beauty science

By SANJANA BALANI, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, POTION INC

When ancient wisdom meets modern innovation

For centuries, Southeast Asia has nurtured some of the world’s most powerful natural remedies – vibrant turmeric, soothing centella, fragrant pandan, and invigorating galangal. Once confined to kitchens and apothecaries, these botanicals are now finding their place in global research and development pipelines, shaping the next generation of skincare innovation.

As the global beauty industry searches for authenticity, efficacy, and endurance, Southeast Asia stands out as a region where ancient knowledge and modern science meet. Consumers today are drawn to products that connect them to their cultural roots, deliver visible and sustainable results, and tell stories grounded in real heritage. This has created a unique opportunity for the region’s biodiversity and centuries-old rituals of care to take centre stage once again - this time, through the lens of biotechnology.

In my session at in-cosmetics Asia 2025, titled “The Southeast Asian Shift: Trends in Botanicals and Beauty Science,” I’ll explore how cultural traditions and scientific advancements are merging to unlock new ingredient possibilities for formulators and brands worldwide. This convergence is far more than just another ingredient trend - it reflects a broader paradigm shift, moving from single-benefit actives to holistic approaches to skin health, inspired by ancestral practices and validated by cutting-edge research.

Emerging trends to watch

• Next-Gen Botanicals: heritage ingredients like centella asiatica, butterfly pea, and kaffir lime are being re-examined for their roles in strengthening the skin barrier and enhancing antioxidant resilience.
• Biotech Validation: techniques such as fermentation and lab-based cultivation are improving ingredient consistency, performance, and scalability compared to traditional sourcing.
• Resilience & Balance: modern consumers are looking beyond “anti-aging” claims. The Southeast Asian influence focuses on equilibrium - supporting skin health, barrier strength, and lasting radiance.
• Sustainability & Supply Chains: the region’s biodiversity, coupled with advances in biotechnology, offers fresh opportunities for sustainable sourcing and powerful storytelling rooted in emotion and authenticity.

From inspiration to application

This session aims not only to celebrate the beauty of botanicals but also to provide actionable guidance for R&D teams, formulators, and brand owners. Attendees will gain insight into:

• 1. How to identify Southeast Asian botanicals with global potential.
• 2. The biotech processes that ensure ingredient stability, efficacy, and safety.
• 3. The consumer narratives and claims that bridge cultural authenticity with modern innovation.

The Southeast Asian shift is here to stay. It is the foundation of how the next generation of beauty will be created, and how a hybrid category will emerge. By attending this session, you will gain a forward-looking perspective on how botanical heritage, biotech innovation, and consumer expectations are merging to define the future of skincare.

Sanjana Balani, founder and CEO of Potion Inc, India’s first biotech-powered, pH-formulated skincare brand, will be speaking in the Marketing Trends theatre at in-cosmetics Asia on Tuesday 4 November from 16:00 – 16:45, in a session entitled: ‘The Southeast Asian Shift: Trends in Botanicals and Beauty Science.’ 

An entrepreneur, alchemist, and thought leader, Ms Balani is dedicated to revolutionizing the potency of nature through science. She has presented at global beauty trade shows and mentors emerging entrepreneurs on bridging traditional wisdom with cutting-edge biotechnology.