Finnish biotechnology company CH-Bioforce has won the Ingredient Innovation of the Year award at the European Natural Beauty Awards 2026 for HAIRFORSENSE, an oat husk hairstyling technology designed as a bio-based alternative to fossil-derived styling polymers. The award was presented in Paris on 29 September 2026.
HAIRFORSENSE was selected among the Top 8 Natural Raw Ingredients of the Year. According to the company, it was recognised for its potential to address a long-standing challenge for the cosmetics industry: replacing conventional fossil-derived styling polymers with renewable alternatives that meet modern performance requirements.
From agricultural side stream to styling polymer
CH-Bioforce was founded in 2016 and has its research and development operations and pilot plant in Raisio, Finland. The company develops bio-based ingredients from renewable biomass using its proprietary BIOFORSENSE biomass fractionation technology.
HAIRFORSENSE uses that process to turn Finnish oat husk, an agricultural side stream, into a functional biopolymer system for hairstyling applications. The company said the technology enables flexible hold, curl definition and frizz control while supporting microplastic-free formulation strategies.
CH-Bioforce said the BIOFORSENSE platform can also be used beyond hairstyling. It enables biomass to be fractionated into valuable components, supporting the development of functional ingredients from renewable resources. The company’s stated approach is to unlock the value of underutilised renewable resources for industrial applications.
Why oat husk hairstyling technology matters for formulators
The cosmetics industry is increasingly seeking alternatives to fossil-derived raw materials. Demand for more sustainable formulations is growing, and regulatory requirements concerning microplastics continue to evolve.
Hairstyling poses a particular difficulty. Conventional synthetic polymers provide hold, structure and control. Any replacement must deliver comparable functionality, flexibility and sensory properties.
CH-Bioforce noted that hairstyling has often received less attention in sustainable ingredient development than skincare, makeup and broader haircare. Conventional synthetic film-forming polymers still play a central role in the category. The company said the transition to more sustainable ingredients has progressed more slowly in hairstyling than in several other areas of cosmetics.
Recognition from the European Natural Beauty Awards
The European Natural Beauty Awards bring together brands, ingredient developers and other industry professionals working to advance natural beauty and cosmetic innovation. CH-Bioforce described the win as important international recognition of its research and development work. It also said the award reflects the commercial potential of advanced biomass fractionation technology.
In a statement, the company said: “We are extremely proud to receive this recognition. HAIRFORSENSE is the result of years of research into how renewable biomass can be transformed into functional, high-performance materials. This award is a meaningful acknowledgement of our team’s work and the potential of bio-based technologies to address real challenges in the cosmetics industry.”
Next steps towards commercial use
CH-Bioforce said the award marks a significant milestone in bringing renewable biomaterials into mainstream cosmetic applications. By combining material science with circular raw material use, the company aims to help cosmetics manufacturers develop products that meet expectations for performance, sustainability and regulatory readiness.
The company added: “This recognition encourages us to continue developing practical alternatives to fossil-based ingredients and working closely with formulators and industry partners to bring these innovations into real-world applications.”
The announcement did not give details of commercial launch dates, customers or production volumes for HAIRFORSENSE.
Frequently asked questions
What award did CH-Bioforce win?
CH-Bioforce won the Ingredient Innovation of the Year award at the European Natural Beauty Awards 2026. The award was presented in Paris on 29 September 2026.
What is HAIRFORSENSE?
HAIRFORSENSE is a hairstyling ingredient technology from CH-Bioforce that turns Finnish oat husk into a functional biopolymer system. The company presents it as a renewable alternative to conventional fossil-derived styling polymers.
What does HAIRFORSENSE do in hair products?
According to CH-Bioforce, the technology enables flexible hold, curl definition and frizz control. The company also said it supports microplastic-free formulation strategies.
How is HAIRFORSENSE made?
It is made using CH-Bioforce’s proprietary BIOFORSENSE biomass fractionation technology. The process transforms oat husk, an agricultural side stream, into a biopolymer system for hairstyling.
Where is CH-Bioforce based?
CH-Bioforce is a Finnish company founded in 2016. Its research and development operations and pilot plant are located in Raisio, Finland.
