This product is a finalist in the category Personal Care & Body Care Products of Cosmoprof 2026
Product Description (Function, Benefits, and Target Consumer)
A body serum formulated with Actigym®, a patented marine ingredient derived from deep-sea microorganisms that thrive in extreme ocean conditions. The ingredient mimics the effects of exercise, improving muscle tone and enhancing skin firmness.
Actigym® stimulates adiponectin release, increases mitochondrial activity, and helps prevent lipid accumulation, and has been clinically tested to “remodel” the abdomen, arms, and thighs, enhancing body definition. In tandem with this, niacinamide supports the skin barrier, elasticity, and radiance; resveratrol and raspberry oil act as natural antioxidants to protect against free radicals and promote skin regeneration; vitamin C, fat-soluble and highly stable in pearls, improves skin texture, evens tone, and supports collagen synthesis; and caffeine stimulates microcirculation, aiding drainage and skin firmness. Meanwhile, the formula’s serum and encapsulated marine spheres delivery system sees innovative marine biopolymer pearls protect the active ingredients until application, ensuring their optimal release and stability while creating a striking aesthetic.
Launch Date (First worldwide launch must have been launched within 12 months prior to the event). Date (Month/Day/Year)
September 1, 2025
Retail Price & Fill Sizes
€89/150 ml
Product Innovation
This body serum stands out for its use of Actigym®, a patented marine ingredient derived from deep-sea microorganisms thriving in extreme ocean conditions. Mimicking the effects of exercise, it improves muscle tone and enhances skin firmness. Clinically tested, the formula reshapes and revitalizes the skin, especially in critical areas. The synergy of Actigym® with niacinamide, vitamin C, resveratrol, and raspberry oil delivers multi-level regeneration and antioxidant protection. Its sensorial, fast-absorbing texture offers an elevated user experience, making it an ideal post-workout booster for visibly toned, compact, and sculpted skin.
Product Claims & Benefits
Skin & Body Concerns Addressed
• Skin slackening in critical areas (abdomen, arms, thighs, buttocks)
• Dull, fatigued, or uneven-looking skin
• Unexpected weight loss
Performance Benefits (Clinically Tested)
• Visibly improves skin firmness and compactness
• Provides a body re-shaping effect and more sculpted appearance
• Mimics the effects of exercise thanks to Actigym® patented marine ingredient
• Increases muscle fiber mitochondrial activity and adiponectin release (in vitro)
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and signs of skin fatigue (in vivo)
• Enhances skin tissue density for a stronger, more resilient look
• Boosts cellular metabolism for improved tone and vitality
• Ideal as a post-workout booster for enhanced performance results
Skin Renewal & Protection Benefits
• Actigym®, mimics the effects of exercise on muscle and supports firmness, tone, and resilience
• Niacinamide supports collagen and elastin synthesis, restoring elasticity
• Vitamin C protects from oxidative stress and brightens skin appearance
• Resveratrol delivers powerful antioxidant protection and promotes longevity proteins (sirtuins)
• Raspberry oil nourishes and supports cellular regeneration
• Caffeine energizes and revitalizes the skin
Sensory Benefits & User Experience
• Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum texture
• Leaves skin smoother, more toned, and visibly revitalized
Research, Clinical Tests & Trials Results (Safety & Dermatological)
The efficacy results reported below refer exclusively to in-vitro and in-vivo studies conducted on the Actigym® ingredient, tested at the same concentration included in our formula.
Top 3 key results (body & face reshaping)
• 60 sedentary women (35–50 years): abdominal skinfold reduced by 19.2% after 56 days using a cream containing 5% Actigym® marine ingredient, applied twice daily without physical exercise.
• Abdomen circumference decreased by up to 2.9 cm, thigh circumference by up to 2.1 cm and arm contour by up to 1.3 cm after 56 days; when combined with standardized aerobic exercise the maximum reductions reached 3.1 cm on the abdomen and 2.9 cm on the thighs.
• 79 women (39–59 years) with double chin: double-chin skinfold decreased by 17.9%, double-chin contour area reduced by up to 9.9% after 28 days, and facial contour area reduced by up to 17.2% after 56 days, improving V-shape definition.
Actigym® marine ingredient is a low-molecular-weight biotechnological active obtained from a Bacillus strain isolated from marine sponges in the waters of Bermuda. It mimics the effects of endurance exercise on muscle fibers and adipose tissue. In vitro, Actigym® stimulates adipocytes to release adiponectin, a key regulator of energy metabolism, which in turn increases mitochondrial activity, ATP production and slow-twitch (type I) myosin expression in skeletal muscle cells, while downregulating genes involved in lipid accumulation. This translates into better muscle tone and reduced fat storage.
Two placebo-controlled clinical studies tested a 5% Actigym® cream in women with sedentary lifestyles or localized flaccidity. In the body study (60 women, 35–50 years, 56 days), the active improved body contour on abdomen, thighs and arms, significantly reducing skinfold thickness, circumferences and body weight, with visible improvement of firmness and silhouette definition. In the face and neck study (79 women, 39–59 years, 56 days), Actigym® reduced the double-chin skinfold and contour area and refined the jawline, delivering a more sculpted neck and a better defined V-shaped face. Both trials included self-assessment questionnaires that confirmed increased skin tone, elasticity and perceived reshaping, with good tolerability and no safety concerns reported.
Certifications, Patents & Regulatory Compliance
• Dermatologically tested
• Vegan-friendly formula; >90% natural-origin ingredients.
• Eco-friendly production using solar energy.
• EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 compliant.
• The patent associated with the product technology refers to the proprietary active ingredient Actigym®, developed and owned by Lubrizol, covering its biotechnology process and mechanism of action.
Ingredients List & Formulation (Mandatory, if not specified disqualification from the contest)
(Hero Ingredients, Free-From Claims, and Full INCI to be inserted here)
Hero Ingredients
• Actigym® Marine Ingredient (Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract): improves muscle tone and mimics the effects of physical exercise. Stimulates adiponectin release, increases mitochondrial activity, and helps prevent lipid accumulation. Clinically tested to remodel the abdomen, arms, and thighs, enhancing overall silhouette definition.
• Niacinamide: revitalizing vitamin that supports the skin barrier, elasticity, and radiance.
• Resveratrol + Raspberry Oil: natural antioxidants that protect against free radicals and promote skin regeneration.
• Vitamin C: fat-soluble and highly stable in pearls, improves skin texture, evens tone, and supports collagen synthesis.
• Caffeine: stimulates microcirculation, aiding drainage and skin firmness.
Free-From Claims
• Formula with >90% naturally derived ingredients (Sphea line certified).
• Free from silicones, mineral oils, added colorants, and parabens.
INCI:
Aqua [Water], Glycerin, Betaine, Caffeine, Bacillus/soybean ferment extract, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Resveratrol, Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) seed oil, Gellan gum, Chondrus crispus powder, Agar, Juniperus virginiana oil, Potassium cocoyl rice amino acids, Glyceryl oleate, Citric acid, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Parfum [Fragrance], Butylene glycol, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Mica, Hexyl cinnamal, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891 [Titanium dioxide], CI 77491 [Iron oxides], CI 73360 [Red 30].
Technology Features
• Dual Delivery System: Serum + Encapsulated Marine Spheres – Innovative marine biopolymer pearls protect active ingredients until application, ensuring optimal release and stability while providing strong visual identity.
• Ingredient-Boosting Synergy: Actigym® marine ingredient mimics the effects of endurance exercise, improving skin density and tone. Combined with caffeine, niacinamide, vitamin C and resveratrol for enhanced firming, energizing and antioxidant performance.
• Sustainable Components & Eco-Friendly Production: Marine-derived biopolymers, >90% natural-origin formula, solar-powered manufacturing and reduced environmental impact.
• Unique Design & Functionality: Transparent packaging showcases the pearls and emphasizes dual-action delivery. Fast-absorbing, sensorial texture that leaves the skin smooth and comfortable.
Sustainability List of Certifications
• >90% Natural-Origin Ingredients
All formulas in the Sphea line are developed with more than 90% natural-origin raw materials, supporting a cleaner and more environmentally conscious approach to skincare.
• Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
The product is manufactured in an eco-responsible facility that operates using solar energy, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and energy consumption.
• Responsible Sourcing & Marine Biopolymers
The encapsulated spheres are made from natural marine-derived biopolymers, supporting low-impact ingredient sourcing and biodegradable materials.
• Vegan-Friendly Formula
The formula contains no animal-derived ingredients and is suitable for vegan consumers.
• ISO 22716 GMP-Compliant Production
Manufacturing follows internationally recognized Good Manufacturing Practices, ensuring controlled processes, reduced waste, and safer environmental handling.
• No Microplastics & No Mineral Oils
The product is free from microplastics, mineral oils, and other environmentally persistent substances.
• Local Production
Produced in Italy in a vertically integrated facility, reducing transportation footprint and ensuring strict environmental oversight.
• Sustainable Corporate Practices
Athena’s implements energy-efficient processes, water-responsible production cycles, and continuous improvements toward reducing waste and emissions.
How to use it
• Apply daily on clean, dry skin, preferably after shower or bath.
• Focus on abdomen, arms, thighs, and glutes, where skin needs firming.
• Massage gently in circular motions until fully absorbed.
• Can be used morning and/or evening, depending on personal routine.
• Ideal as a post-workout treatment to enhance the effects of exercise.
• Consistent use supports visible improvement in skin firmness, tone, and elasticity.
• Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture ensures comfort and effortless application.
• Suitable for all skin types seeking sculpted, resilient, and revitalized skin.
Market Positioning & Distribution Markets
Distribution channel
• Positioned in the Luxury–Prestige Beauty segment
• Premium, high-quality formulations with a strong focus on Made in Italy excellence, innovation, and sensorial experience
• Designed for a discerning audience seeking sophisticated, effective, and distinctive beauty products
Distribution Countries
• Amazon Italy
Desired Distribution Markets
• Europe
• Middle East
Website and/or Social Media Channels + Editorial pitch
SPHEA Beauty delivers high-performance bodycare powered by patented mineral-based actives.
Our Sculpt & Firm Body Serum combines the clinically tested marine-mineral ingredient Actigym®, designed to mimic the effects of endurance training on the skin, with a blend of vitamin C, niacinamide and caffeine for a visibly firmer, smoother and more sculpted look.
These innovative mineral-derived technologies help improve elasticity, enhance skin tone and support the natural remodeling process with consistent use. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, the serum is ideal after showering or post-workout to boost your body routine and target areas such as abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms.
