The ASX stocks hoping to profit from the endless search for an ‘elixir of youth’

Anti-aging market is set for a CAGR of 5.5% over the next decade to reach US$109.8 billion in 2023
Bioxyne subsidiary Breathe Life Sciences develops skincare for every skin type, with an emphasis on anti-aging
Anagenics has an anti-aging hair care line marketed under brand name évolis and harnessing its patented plant-based FGF5 inhibitor

Humans for centuries have hunted for the elusive “elixir of youth”. The pursuit and scientific developments have led to a thriving industry, with ASX companies playing a significant role.

While some turn to traditional and herbal remedies passed down through generations, others look to modern advancements, investing in skincare, cosmetic procedures, and wellness regimes in the hope of anti-aging benefits.

The quest for the “elixir of youth”, a desire to maintain youthful skin, reduce wrinkles, and combat the signs of aging, is seeing high demand.

A CAGR of 5.5% between the years 2023 and 2033 is forecast for anti-aging products, services, and devices with the global market valued at ~US$59 billion in 2022.

Future Market Insights (FMI) anticipates substantial revenue growth in the anti-aging market, with forecasts suggesting an increase from US$64 billion in 2023 to a staggering US$109.8 billion by 2033.

Here’s some of the ASX companies we’ve noticed working to help us stay more youthful and in the process benefit from rising demand for anti-aging products and services.

Bioxyne (ASX:BXN)

Life sciences and health products company BXN is the parent company of Breathe Life Sciences Group, a leading sponsor of medicinal cannabis in Australia supplying cultivators, manufacturers, pharmacies and patients nationwide.

The Breathe Life Sciences Group (BLS), which includes the trademarked Dr Watson brand, was acquired by BXN in May 2023 and is a 100% wholly owned subsidiary.

Director of sales for beauty and skincare Stephanie Cowan told Stockhead BLS has focused on developing skincare that works for every skin type, really putting a spotlight on healthier anti-aging solutions.

“We wanted people to feel confident in their skin and care more about the health of it rather than focusing on social media pressures around beauty standards,” Cowan says

“We’ve teamed up with large high street brands to help them create unique CBD products as well as offer a wide range of white label products with a high level of CBD to ensure fast, effective results for all skin types.”

Cowan says CBD is a game-changer for aging skin – hydrating, reducing inflammation, and combating oxidative stress.

“The multifunctional approach of CBD contributes not only to a healthier complexion but also to a more resilient and youthful appearance over time – it’s like a one-stop-shop for a healthier and more youthful glow,” she says.

Cowan says their top selling product for anti-aging is the High Strength Balm, with 1.5% CBD combined with niacinamide.

“It’s an effective anti-inflammatory cream, many users report experiencing overnight benefits for issues like spots and skin irritation,” she says.

Anagenics (ASX:AN1)

AN1 is a beauty, health and wellness company specialising in a diverse array of clinically proven anti-aging beauty and wellness solutions, either developed internally or curated from global brands.

Operating through its wholly-owned subsidiary BLC Cosmetics Pty Ltd, managing director and CEO Scott Greasley told Stockhead AN1 is dedicated to the development, production, and global marketing of anti-aging products.

“Our premier anti-aging hair care line, marketed under the name évolis, boasts a strong presence in key markets such as Australia, Japan, the US, and China,” he says.

Greasley says évolis harnesses the company’s unique, patented, plant based FGF5 inhibitor technology to improve hair growth and quality, while preventing hair loss.

Furthermore, BLC Cosmetics serves as a distributor for a variety of esteemed local and international skincare and wellness brands.

Its flagship anti-aging brands include:

Hydropeptide, harnessing unique peptide-driven epigenetic anti-aging technology
Priori, with its proprietary DNA repair enzyme complex
Thalgo, a prestige spa brand that leans into the French spa tradition, while targeting skin concerns at various ages with proven actives sourced from the sea.

EZZ Life Science (ASX:EZZ)

EZZ is focusing its genomic research and product development to isolate and unpack four key areas including:

genetic longevity
human papillomavirus (some 80% of sexually active adults have it)
children’s health
weight management

EZZ offers health supplements, health food and probiotics as well as skincare products under two brands, EZZ and EAORON respectively.

The company’s products are sold nationally as well as in New Zealand, Singapore, China and Southeast Asia. China has become a particularly important market for EZZ, which has a strong e-commerce presence in the country.

EZZ reported strong FY23 results including revenue growth of 147.3% year on year to $37.1 million.

There was also a significant expansion in gross margins to 76.8% from 50.0% in the previous year, which resulted in EBITDA of $4.8 million, a sharp increase of 172.5% from FY22.

EZZ chairman Glenn Cross says longevity and anti-aging is proving a particularly important sector to the company.

“The anti-ageing market is experiencing exponential growth, driven by an ageing global population increasingly cognisant of the benefits of cutting-edge treatments and technologies,” he says.

He says EZZ is at the forefront of this burgeoning market leveraging advanced research collaborations, notably with the Auckland University of Technology, to explore the potential of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+).

“These compounds, found in every cell of our body, play a vital role in cellular energy production and DNA repair,” Cross says.

“They are instrumental in cellular energy production and DNA repair, offering promising avenues for enhancing cellular energy, promoting DNA integrity, regulating metabolic functions, and potentially providing neuroprotection.

“EZZ recognises the profound impact of these breakthroughs and is strategically positioning itself to harness their significant potential.”

Currently the TGA has not approved any NMN products for domestic consumption within Australia as a food additive with Australian consumers currently only able to legally purchase limited quantities of NMN from overseas under the Personal Importation Scheme.

The TGA has approved EZZ’s NMN 500,000 for export only and the primary export market for this product is currently mainland China. A number of NAD+ supplements have been approved for domestic consumption by the TGA, including EZZ’s Daily Energy & Wellbeing, which contains NAD+.

“The global shift towards increased information availability has played a pivotal role in the rising awareness of the benefits associated with anti-ageing treatments.

“EZZ acknowledges this trend and is committed to developing products that align with consumer preferences, drawing inspiration from cutting-edge research in the rapidly evolving field of anti-ageing.

“As the company embraces the rapid developments in anti-ageing research, EZZ is poised to not only meet but exceed consumer expectations with innovative and scientifically-backed products.”