Phased scouting
2search phases run
Start, then widen
We first targeted direct sebum developers, then companies working on other skin benefits.
Case Study · Technology Scouting
Scouting new actives for oily skin.
A skin care company wanted novel sebum reduction ingredients beyond salicylates and retinoids, with partnership potential. We found startups with ingredients still in development, uncovered non-public data through outreach and analyzed competitor claims.
The Client
The client is a company in the skin care industry. It wanted development partners with sustainable sebum reduction solutions.
The Challenge
Hidden pipelines.
Find what’s not public yet.
Prescouter was asked to identify startups worldwide developing novel, sustainable sebum reduction ingredients beyond salicylates and retinoids, even though most keep their in-development work confidential.
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Novelty
Beyond the usual actives
Alternatives to salicylates and retinoids.
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Secrecy
Confidential pipelines
Most early work is not public.
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Partners
Development partnerships
Companies open to co-development.
Our Approach
Widening the search in deliberate phases.
Direct outreach
Privatenon-public data gathered
Ask the developers
After aligning with the client, we engaged providers to confirm capabilities and partnership interest.
Expert interview
1expert interviewed
Read the market
We analyzed competitor ingredients and claims and added an expert view on consumer preferences.
The Outcome
New partners for oily skin and beyond.
Prescouter identified several companies of high interest for future collaboration, plus potential partners for skin benefits beyond sebum reduction. Competitive analysis and an expert interview gave the client fresh perspectives on market claims and consumer preferences.
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Partners
Several high-interest firms
Ready for collaboration talks.
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Adjacent
Other skin benefits
Partners beyond sebum reduction.
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Market
Claims and preferences
Competitive insights by region.
The most promising actives are often still behind closed doors. Direct conversations reveal what desk research cannot.
Let’s Talk
Which new actives could lift your next launch?
We can reach the developers others miss. Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you get there.
Or email [email protected]