THE WHAT? Natura &Co has announced the launch of a corporate venture capital fund, dubbed Natura Ventures. The fund will be jointly managed by the Brazilian cosmetics manufacturer and impact investment firm, Vox Capital.
THE DETAILS According to a report published by Global Venturing, quoting Epoca Negocios, the fund has been endowed with an initial capital of R$50 million and is tasked with investing in some 15 start-ups focused on the circular economy, beauty and customer service technology sectors.
THE WHY? José Manuel Silva, Vice President of New Business at Natura &Co Latin America, told Época Negócios per Global Venturing’s translation, “Natura has been doing open innovation for over 20 years, and we had already worked in some way with corporate venture capital but without having an official VC instrument.
“Over the last nine months, we have worked hard to plan our next 15 years, and we believe that the time has come to have our own instrument, channelled towards our innovation strategies. It gives us greater firepower.”
Clinical aesthetics products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics or cosmetic dermatology. These products are typically designed and formulated to be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or trained aestheticians. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain active ingredients or formulations that require expertise in their application or administration.
Examples of clinical aesthetics products include:
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Examples include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables that temporarily paralyze facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements, such as frown lines and crow's feet.
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Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve its texture. They can treat acne, pigmentation issues, and signs of aging.
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Laser and Light Therapies: Devices that emit focused light or laser energy to treat various skin conditions, including acne, scars, and signs of aging.
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Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients like retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants to address specific skin concerns under medical supervision.