- Background
- What we're looking for
- What we can offer you
- Q&A
Hair greying is one of the most universally visible markers of aging and reflects declining function of the follicular pigmentation system. This process can involve melanocyte stem cell dysfunction, reduced melanocyte renewal, impaired melanogenesis, oxidative stress, and changes in the follicular niche. Recent research has shown that melanocyte stem cells may become less able to transition into pigment-producing states during the hair cycle, contributing to reduced melanin production in newly formed hair fibers. Current solutions primarily rely on dye chemistry or covering pigments rather than restoration of native pigmentation.
A major opportunity exists for approaches that can safely support follicular melanin production and generate durable, natural-looking repigmentation. Progress in melanocyte biology, melanogenesis pathways, biomimetic signaling, topical delivery, and device-enabled follicle stimulation could open a new category of hair greying solutions grounded in biological restoration.
We are looking for novel technologies that can durably restore native hair pigmentation through modulation of follicular pigmentation biology, including melanocyte function, melanogenesis, or related regenerative pathways. While early-stage biological and mechanistic approaches are within scope, technologies with a potential path toward topical or device-enabled consumer applications are of particular interest.
- α-MSH or MC1R agonist peptides
- MITF pathway activators
- Wnt/β-catenin and KIT/SCF signaling modulators
- McSC mobility/motility restoration technologies
- Exosome or extracellular vesicle therapies for pigmentation
- Topical-grade tyrosinase activators or melanin precursors
- Device-plus-active combinations
- Stem-cell-niche-targeting biomimetic ingredients
- Other pigmentary modulating targets/actives/methods
- Preliminary mechanistic or biological data supporting modulation of follicular pigmentation biology, melanogenesis, melanocyte function, or related regenerative pathways (e.g., in-vitro melanocyte cell models, ex-vivo follicle assays such as Philpot, or pilot human data)
- Potential path toward topical or non-invasive delivery formats
- Rationale or preliminary evidence supporting durable repigmentation effects (targeting ≥4–8 weeks post-treatment) rather than transient color staining
- Cosmetic regulatory pathway viable in US/EU/Canada (or device pathway: FDA Class I/II, CE, Health Canada)
- Pilot human repigmentation data (even N=5–20 case series)
- Synergy with (other) ingredients/actives/formulations/technologies
- Differentiated IP position
- Compatibility with diverse hair colors and ethnicities, especially Type 4 hair populations
- Hair dyes, oxidative or direct-pigment colorants
- Pigmenting cosmetics or covering products (camouflage sprays, root touch-ups)
- Generic antioxidants without differentiated pigmentation mechanism
- Engineered nanomaterials (<100nm) subject to regulatory restrictions
The Q&A is now closed.
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