MitoTech™ and PhytoProtect™ are patented botanical technologies developed for cosmetic formulators building the next generation of UV defence, antioxidant, and hair & scalp wellness products.
Trusted in the award-winning LaylaKays™ shampoo and conditioner range.
HexisLab Ventures Limited licenses patented, science-validated botanical actives to cosmetic formulators worldwide. Our two flagship complexes — MitoTech™ and PhytoProtect™ — are naturally derived, multi-functional actives that help skin and hair defend against oxidative stress, UV exposure and environmental damage.
Both actives are patented and validated through in-vitro skin and scalp cellular models. They are formulation-ready, INCI-transparent, and built for brands that want scientific credibility alongside natural provenance. Beyond ingredient licensing, we partner directly with consumer brands: our actives are the science behind the LaylaKays™ shampoo and conditioner range.
Skin & Hair Repair and Environmental Defence
A naturally derived, multi-functional formulation-ready ingredient with antioxidant properties that helps protect skin and hair from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and other environmental stressors. MitoTech™ is derived from the bioactive polyphenol mangiferin, sourced from Mangifera indica (mango) leaf extract, and delivered in a glycerol and beta-cyclodextrin carrier system engineered to optimise stability and bioavailability.
Glycerol (and) Beta-Cyclodextrin (and) Mangifera Indica Leaf Extract (and) Mangiferin
CAS Numbers56-81-5 / 7585-39-9 / 90063-86-8 / 4773-96-0
UV AbsorbanceBroad UV-absorbing profile with peaks at UVB 317nm and UVA 366nm; MitoTech Advance (mangiferin + resveratrol) synergistically enhances UVB absorption, comparable in range to benchmark filters BHT and avobenzone.
Regulatory PositioningCosmetic active — not a regulated sunscreen active under EU/UK/US frameworks. Used as a photoprotective booster and antioxidant active within cosmetic formulations.
Six evidence-backed reasons brands are building MitoTech™ into their next launch.
In-vitro spectral data demonstrates a significant UV-absorbing profile, comparable in range to benchmark filters such as BHT and avobenzone.
In-vitro studies indicate MitoTech™ may help support the skin's own DNA repair pathways under UV stress.
Delivers powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, helping neutralise UV- and environment-triggered free radical damage.
Compatible across a broad range of base formulations — easily introduced into new and existing leave-on and rinse-off systems.
Designed to help combat visible signs of photo-ageing by protecting the integrity of skin and hair after prolonged UVR exposure.
Demonstrates protective and revitalising effects on hair fibre structure, particularly relevant for UV-vulnerable textured and curly hair types.
Plant-derived — rice extract & orange peel extracts.
Evidence BaseIn-vitro cellular models measuring oxidative stress, inflammatory pathway activity, MMP activity, fibroblast proliferation (Ki67) and DNA damage (γH2AX).
Scalp SuitabilityAll scalp types; particularly relevant for oxidative stress, inflamed or ageing scalp conditions.
Regulatory PositioningCosmetic active for use as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photoprotective booster within scalp care formulations.
Scalp Defence & Hair Wellness
A naturally derived, multi-functional botanical complex that helps restore the scalp's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defences against photo-ageing, oxidative stress and environmental damage. PhytoProtect™ simultaneously targets antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and matrix-protective pathways — a multi-pathway approach single-active alternatives cannot replicate.
Reduction in UV-induced DNA damage markers (γH2AX) vs. control, in vitro at 1% PhytoProtect™
Ki67-positive fibroblast proliferation with PhytoProtect™, vs. ~40% in control — indicating enhanced tissue renewal
Concentration range validated in vitro for total antioxidant capacity and ROS reduction
Proof of what MitoTech™ and PhytoProtect™ can do in a finished product. HexisLab Ventures Limited licenses its patented actives directly to LaylaKays™, powering a shampoo and conditioner range built for UV defence, scalp wellness and healthier-looking hair — with particular relevance for textured and melanin-rich hair types.
LaylaKays™ shampoo and conditioner are formulated using MitoTech™ and PhytoProtect™ under license from HexisLab Ventures Limited, bringing patented, in-vitro validated botanical actives out of the lab and into a daily hair care ritual.
Repair & Strengthen Bundle · laylakays.com
Every claim we make is grounded in cellular and spectral data. Our research builds on published, peer-reviewed work on the photoprotective properties of mangiferin in hair care (Markiewicz & Idowu, Cosmetics, 2024), and our in-house in-vitro programme continues to expand the evidence base for both complexes.
No. Both are positioned as cosmetic active ingredients, not regulated sunscreen actives. They cannot be used as a sole SPF contributor in formulations making SPF claims — they're best deployed as a photoprotective booster and antioxidant active alongside compliant UV filter systems.
Both are supported by in-vitro studies on skin, scalp and hair cell models — including UV absorbance, antioxidant capacity, cell viability under UV challenge, DNA repair markers, MMP activity and fibroblast proliferation (Ki67). The research builds on published, peer-reviewed literature (Markiewicz & Idowu, Cosmetics, 2024).
Yes — this is a key differentiator. The underlying research specifically validates efficacy in textured, curly hair, which is documented to exhibit heightened UV vulnerability, making both actives well-suited to inclusive, multicultural beauty formulations.
Recommended use levels should be confirmed with our technical team based on formulation type and target claim. Published in-vitro studies used concentrations of 1%–3% for MitoTech™ and 0.5%–2.5% for PhytoProtect™. Final guidance should be validated for your specific application.
Our technical team supports sample requests, formulation guidance, in-vitro data packages and regulatory documentation. Contact us via the form below to start a conversation about licensing terms for your brand.
Our technical team is available to support sample requests, formulation guidance, in-vitro data packages and regulatory documentation — for ingredient licensing or LaylaKays™ partnership enquiries alike.
HexisLab Ventures Limited