Swiss flavors, fragrances and active cosmetic ingredients manufacturer Givaudan has agreed to buy the cosmetics business of Germany’s AMSilk. The acquisition fits with Givaudan’s aim – part of its 2020 strategy – to become a major player in the fast-growing active cosmetic ingredients market.

Headquartered near Munich, AMSilk is an industrial supplier of synthetic silk biopolymers, which can be used in a broad range of applications across categories such as haircare and skincare. AMSilk has filed 10 patents for the use of biopolymers in cosmetic applications.

 “The acquisition of the cosmetics business of AMSilk fits very well our long term strategy for Active Beauty,” said. Maurizio Volpi, president of Givaudan’s Fragrance division. “It offers an expanded portfolio of natural and bio-sourced products supported by a strong research and development biotechnology platform to drive future development and innovation in the active cosmetic ingredients space.”

Laurent Bourdeau, head of Givaudan’s Active Beauty business, added that AMSilk’s unique technology will allow it to enlarge its product portfolio by developing bespoke polypeptides, also aligning with the company’s ambition to meet growing consumer demand for ‘clean beauty’ products.

Givaudan has not revealed financial details of the deal although said it would fund the purchase from its existing resources.