Low-chemical cosmetics – a new Finnish forest innovation challenges the entire beauty industry
October 17, 2025, 9:00 AM | Lavliér
The Finnish cosmetics technology startup Lavliér has patented the World’s first cellulose-based low-chemical cosmetics manufacturing method. This breakthrough technology transforms forest industry side streams into a next-generation cosmetic raw material, reducing chemical use in the €500 billion global cosmetics market.
Cosmetics manufacturing is at a turning point. Lavliér has developed a pioneering production method that has the potential to revolutionize the entire industry. The company’s gel-like cellulose raw material reduces the need for additional ingredients and auxiliaries in cosmetics production by up to 80%. The cellulose gel serves as a base for products such as daily skincare, hair, and hygiene products—eliminating the need for many fillers and synthetic additives.
The result is a new generation of cosmetics: products with unprecedentedly low chemical content, significantly reduced environmental footprint, and often some of the shortest ingredient lists in the world. “Our technology enables us to build a chemical-free base to which only active ingredients are added. This is not a small improvement, but a completely new manufacturing method that challenges the entire beauty industry,” says Petro Lahtinen, PhD in Chemistry and founder of Lavliér.
Lahtinen is known as a pioneer in Finnish bio-based material innovations. He developed the Woodcast wooden cast, founded Woodio, and co-created Sulapac. He now believes the cosmetics industry is ready for radical change. “Today, most cosmetic ingredients are auxiliaries that provide texture and shelf life. Our cellulose-based technology offers a natural and more sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. This could be the solution that changes the entire industry,” Lahtinen emphasizes.
The first products based on Lavliér’s technology are expected to launch in 2026. However, the company’s ambition is much greater: to bring its innovation into the production processes of international cosmetics giants and transform the industry’s manufacturing standards. All technology development and production takes place in Finland.
According to Lahtinen, wood-based innovations are not just an opportunity, but a necessity.
“There is no other renewable raw material on earth available on the same scale as forests. Their potential is immense—from textiles to fuels, and now cosmetics.”
Lavliér’s co-founder, designer Jenna Tikkanen, highlights the strong interest from the market “We have tested the concept with both consumers and the cosmetics industry, and the feedback has been unanimous—this is unique and extremely compelling. It is inspiring to commercialize new technology and build a brand whose potential customers include some of the world’s most renowned cosmetics companies.”
The global premiere will take place at the I Love Me fair in Helsinki on October 17–19, 2025, where Lavliér will showcase its innovation at booth 6f10. In addition, Petro Lahtinen will appear on the Beauty Stage on Saturday, October 18, at 2:30 PM to discuss low-chemical cosmetics and their significance for the entire industry.
Further information:
Petro Lahtinen, Founder — petro.lahtinen@lavlier.fi +358 50 5811 033
Jenna Tikkanen, Founder — jenna.tikkanen@lavlier.fi +358 50 336 7357
www.lavlier.fi
instagram.com/lavlierofficial
About Lavliér
Founded in 2023, Lavliér is a Finnish cosmetics technology startup on a mission to reduce chemical use in cosmetics. Its founders, designer Jenna Tikkanen and chemist Dr. Petro Lahtinen, previously co-founded the award-winning material technology company Woodio Oy. Lavliér’s flagship store is located in Töölö, Helsinki, at Museokatu 15.
