The Science
Advancing sustainability within cosmetic science through ingredient innovation
The science of Bioactive Totarol™
For more than 25 years, Hyperganic has led the research, extraction and application of Bioactive Totarol™ — a rare bioactive molecule sustainably sourced from naturally fallen New Zealand tōtara trees.
Unlike single-function ingredients designed to solve one challenge, Bioactive Totarol™ is a multifunctional active that works across microbiome balance, oxidative stress, inflammation and skin barrier health simultaneously.
The result is an ingredient that delivers measurable performance at exceptionally low use levels while maintaining excellent formulation flexibility.
7× more potent than Vitamin E.
7× more potent than Vitamin E.
Clinically proven to reduce sebum by up to 30%.
Clinically proven to reduce acne volume by up to 16%.
Effective from just 0.01%.
The molecule
What is Bioactive Totarol™? Bioactive Totarol™ is a naturally occurring aromatic diterpenoid with the chemical formula C₂₀H₃₀O.What is Bioactive Totarol™?
Bioactive Totarol™ is a naturally occurring aromatic diterpenoid with the chemical formula C₂₀H₃₀O.
Isolated from the heartwood of New Zealand's native Podocarpus totara, Totarol™ serves as a naturally occurring secondary metabolite. Within the plant matrix, it functions as a primary phytoprotective agent, conferring exceptional long-term resistance against microbial pathogenesis and environmental degradation over centuries of growth.
Biochemically characterized as a highly potent, multifunctional diterpenoid, this bioactive molecule demonstrates a comprehensive efficacy profile—integrating robust antioxidant scavenging, microbiome modulation, anti-inflammatory regulation, and sebostatic (sebum-regulating) activity within a single chemical entity. Unlike conventional cosmetic isolates restricted to a singular mechanism of action, Bioactive Totarol™ modulates multiple cellular pathways simultaneously, making it uniquely suited for advanced, performance-driven dermatological formulations.
Bioactive Totarol: Aromatic diterpenoid
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Clinically relevant outcomes
Mechanisms
Membrane disruption
Compromises microbial cell membrane integrity, leading to leakage of cellular contents
Efflux pump inhibition
Interferes with bacterial efflux systems, enhancing intracellular accumulation of antimicrobial agents
Metabolic interference
Disrupts key metabolic pathways, impairing microbial growth and survival
Why it's different.
One molecule. Multiple mechanisms.
Most cosmetic actives are designed around a single claim.
Bioactive Totarol™ works through multiple biological pathways simultaneously, allowing formulators to address several skin concerns with a single ingredient.
Bioactive Totarol™ demonstrates antioxidant activity up to seven times greater than Vitamin E, neutralising free radicals and protecting skin from oxidative stress at exceptionally low use levels.
Rather than broad-spectrum eradication, Bioactive Totarol™ selectively targets pathogenic bacteria while preserving commensal microbiome diversity — supporting balanced, resilient skin ecosystems.
Clinical studies demonstrate sebum reduction of up to 30%, making Bioactive Totarol™ a powerful active for oily and combination skin formulations without harsh stripping agents.
Validated in clinical settings with up to 16% reduction in acne lesion volume, Bioactive Totarol™ addresses acne through multiple pathways including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action.
Bioactive Totarol™ reduces inflammatory signalling at source, supporting calmer skin outcomes and improved barrier function — critical for sensitive and reactive skin types.
How does it compare?
Bioactive Totarol™ sits in a category of its own.
Bioactive Totarol™
Antioxidant activity
7× Vitamin E
Antioxidant activity
Benchmark antioxidant
Microbiome support
Selective, microbiome-balancing
Microbiome support
No
Sebum regulation
Clinically proven up to 30%
Sebum regulation
Limited evidence
Acne reduction
Clinically proven 16% reduction in volume
Acne reduction
No
Effective use level
From 0.05%
Effective use level
Typically higher
Sensory profile
Mild
Sensory profile
Strong characteristic odour
Stability
Moderate
Stability
Highly stable
Formulation flexibility
Excellent
Formulation flexibility
Good
Suitability for premium skincare
Excellent
Suitability for premium skincare
Moderate
Performance data derived from Hyperganic research and published studies on Bioactive Totarol™.
Built for modern product development.
Formulator advantages
Bioactive Totarol™ was developed not only to perform biologically, but to solve formulation challenges.
Low Use Levels
Demonstrated efficacy from as little as 0.05%, helping optimise formulation economics without compromising performance.
Chemical Stability
Maintains activity more effectively than many conventional antioxidant systems, supporting long-term product efficacy.
Minimal Aroma
Unlike many botanical antimicrobials, Bioactive Totarol™ has very low odour impact, making it suitable for premium skincare, oral care and ingestible applications.
Non-Sensitising Profile
Widely recognised as a gentle active with excellent cosmetic compatibility across a broad range of formulations.
Multi-Functional Performance
One ingredient capable of supporting:
Antioxidant claims
Microbiome claims
Acne claims
Sebum-control claims
Barrier support claims
Anti-ageing claims
Preserving the molecule. Maximising performance.
The quality of Bioactive Totarol™ begins with how it is extracted. Hyperganic employs proprietary Supercritical CO₂ extraction technology to isolate Bioactive Totarol™ from sustainably sourced Tōtara wood.
Proprietary Extraction Technology
Unlike conventional botanical extraction methods that rely on solvents such as ethanol, Supercritical CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide under carefully controlled temperature and pressure conditions to selectively isolate the desired compounds.
This advanced process delivers several important advantages:
- No solvent residues
- Exceptional purity
- Minimal aroma and taste impact
- Greater preservation of bioactivity
- Improved extraction efficiency
- QA batch testing
By eliminating harsh solvent processing, Hyperganic is able to produce a highly refined Bioactive Totarol™ ingredient suitable for premium cosmetic, oral care and wellness applications across humans and animals.
How Supercritical CO₂ Extraction Works
01
Sustainable Sourcing
Naturally fallen Tōtara timber is collected, processed and transported to our extraction facility.
02
Supercritical Extraction
Wood chips are placed into extraction vessels where Supercritical CO₂ selectively dissolves Bioactive Totarol™ and other target compounds.
03
Separation & Collection
The solution passes through a pressure reduction system, causing the extracted compounds to separate naturally from the CO₂ stream.
04
Purification & Processing
The extract is refined, freeze-dried and converted into a highly stable powder suitable for formulation.
05
Global Supply
Finished Bioactive Totarol™ is packaged under light-protected conditions and shipped worldwide.