Co-funded project focuses on natural, biodegradable and microplastic-free products to meet environmental and market demands.
Science-based beauty and environmental commitment
European regulatory pressure and consumer environmental awareness are transforming the cosmetics industry. Brands are now looking for cleaner and more responsible solutions.
It is in this context that the Adikte – Sustainable Beauty Products operation, co-financed by COMPETE 2030, has emerged. The initiative is developing a new line of innovative and sustainable cosmetics.
The project focuses on safe and effective formulations. In addition, it eliminates microplastics and silicones. At the same time, it favours natural, vegan and biodegradable ingredients.
It thus responds to new environmental guidelines and reduces the impact on the ecosystem.
Alternatives to critical ingredients
In recent years, the European Commission has been restricting various substances used in cosmetics. These include microplastics and certain persistent synthetic compounds.
These materials accumulate in the environment. Consequently, they pose risks to biodiversity and human health.
On the other hand, many products depend on petrochemical ingredients. However, replacing them remains technically challenging.
The Adikte project addresses this challenge with new natural formulations. In addition, it seeks to ensure performance, stability and price competitiveness.
New concept with a smaller ecological footprint
The operation also introduces powdered cosmetics. This approach drastically reduces the amount of water incorporated into the formulas.
As a result, packaging volume and transport weight are reduced. Consequently, logistics costs and associated emissions are reduced.
At the same time, it promotes more sustainable packaging solutions. Therefore, it contributes to a more efficient value chain.
The impact is both industrial and technological. In addition, it opens up new market opportunities.
Funding accelerates innovation
According to Luís Figueiredo, Founder and CEO of Pharmilab, ‘Adikte was created with the mission of revolutionising the cosmetics market through real and conscious innovation’.
He adds that the focus is on creating sustainable products, ‘where each stage of the value chain has been optimised to minimise environmental impact’.
He also highlights the role of European support. ‘This ambitious journey was only possible thanks to the strategic support of COMPETE 2030.’
He emphasises that this contribution was ‘the fundamental catalyst (…) allowing us to accelerate technological development and consolidate our competitiveness in a global market.’
In this way, the operation positions sustainable cosmetics as a vector for innovation and differentiation.
25 February 2026
Individual productive investment operations in innovative activities, promoted by SMEs, in low-density territories.