When you pick up a bottle of tempting colored beverage or a colorful candy in the supermarket, have you ever wondered where the bright colors come from? In 2026, the global pigment industry is standing at a historic turning point. The US FDA has officially included "phasing out petroleum-based pigments" in its priority action list, while the EU continues to strictly control synthetic pigments. China is also constantly updating standards and tightening the use of some synthetic pigments. At the same time, international food giants such as Nestle, PepsiCo, and Kraft Heinz have collectively committed to fully transitioning to natural colors by 2027[1]. This is not only a policy shift, but also a profound "global pigment revolution".   Why is it "natural"? From industrial logic to life logic Looking back at history, the use of natural pigments by humans has a much l...

In the field of skin anti-aging, as an important member of the retinoid family, the efficacy and safety of retinal have always been the focus of clinical research. A review article published in Advances in Therapy, titled "Use of Retinoids in Topical Antiaging Treatments: A Focused Review of Clinical Evidence for Conventional and Nanoformulations," systematically reviewed multiple clinical studies on retinal, providing solid evidence-based support for its application in topical anti-aging[1].   The most effective anti-aging ingredient among retinoids: mild and non-irritating The article points out that as a natural precursor of retinoic acid, retinaldehyde has a good activity/tolerance ratio when applied topically and is therefore considered one of the most effective vitamin A derivatives in cosmetics. Retinoic acid is the active ingredient, but it is too irritat...

In the current trend of deepening the "early C, late A" skincare concept, vitamin A ingredients have always occupied a core position in the skincare market due to their excellent anti-aging effects. Among them, all-trans retinal (atRAL, abbreviated as retinal), as a key derivative of the vitamin A family, has strong anti-aging activity and good tolerability, gradually becoming a high-quality alternative to traditional retinol. OsBio (Suzhou) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. relies on mature biosynthetic technology to break through the problem of retinal synthesis and launch high-purity biosynthetic retinal raw materials, providing efficient and safe anti-aging solutions for the skincare industry.   The skincare advantages of retinal: ATRA's "high-quality precursor" and a mild anti-aging "transit station" In vitamin A derivatives, anti-aging activity follows a gradient o...

Introduction Microorganisms—these tiny life forms—have been an indispensable part of our planet since the origin of life on Earth. They not only maintain the balance of ecosystems but also play a crucial role in human health and sustainable development. They have unlimited potential to help us achieve longevity, health, and sustainable living. On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Cell magazine has launched a special commemorative issue to delve into the mysterious and complex world of microorganisms(see Figure 1).   Progress in Microbiology The development of microbiology has shifted from simple observation and classification to a deeper exploration of the complexity of microorganisms and their roles in the biological world. From Leeuwenhoek's microscope to modern genomics, our understanding of microorganisms continues to deepen. Microorganisms are no l...