The personal care industry is at a pivotal moment in its journey toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. Not only do consumers expect their chosen brands to act ethically when developing new products, but functionality and sensory appeal remain top priorities for them too.
Striking this balance is no easy feat. Moving forward, we can expect beauty and skincare brands to be even more discerning when selecting ingredient suppliers and formulation partners, opening challenging, but strong opportunities for innovation.
A shift towards natural ingredients
Natural ingredients continue to dominate the beauty and personal care sector, with market growth projected from $642 million in 2022 to $1,095 million by 20301, reflecting a major shift in consumer behaviour as an estimated 40%2 of shoppers prioritise natural over synthetic ingredients in their beauty and personal care choices.
To stay ahead of the curve, brands should maximise the use of naturally derived ingredients, while remaining up to date with the latest advancements in raw materials and processing technologies that make this transition possible.
Where should brands start?
The first step is replacing synthetic ingredients with sustainably sourced alternatives, such as plant oils and RSPO-certified Palm Oil and its derivatives. Another game-changer is developing waterless products. This not only reduces water footprints while optimising resources, but in the long term can benefit local communities while cutting packaging waste. But the biggest leap forward is surely the ability to embrace green chemistry. And in this space, esterification is enabling the next generation of sustainable personal care formulations.
Natural ingredients, uncompromised performance
In the beauty industry, esterification is a chemical process where a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester. In personal care, this enables the creation of polyglyceryl esters—non-ionic surfactants that offer excellent mildness, emulsification, and solubilizing properties.
Stephenson’s research and development expertise is showcased in the development our range of polyglycerol esters, Durosoft, created by combining polyglycerol with triglycerides. These esters excel at blending oil and water, forming stable emulsions ideal for cosmetics and personal care product formulations.
Derived from natural plant oils, polyglyceryl esters are PEG-free, biodegradable, and skin-friendly. The mild nature of these esters makes them suitable for use in products targeted for all skin types and applications.
Polyglyceryl esters: A multi-tasking powerhouse
When it comes to multifunctionality, polyglyceryl esters are unparalleled. These ingredients:
Act as surfactants, making them ideal for facial cleansers.
Deliver excellent hydration and emollient properties to support skin barrier function.
Enhance emulsification, improving moisturisation and overall sensory appeal.
Aid solubilisation by naturally incorporating essential oils into clear systems
For the Stephenson team, the Durosoft range represents the pinnacle of polyglyceryl ester development, carrying prestigious international certifications such as COSMOS Organic, RSPO, Natrue, and China Compliance. These certifications ensure that Durosoft is sustainably and ethically produced, aligning with stringent environmental and social responsibility standards.
For formulators, the biggest advantage of polyglyceryl esters lies in their versatility and clean-label appeal, enabling brands to align with consumer demand for transparency and environmental stewardship.
The rise of sustainable and eco-conscious cosmetics is transforming beauty formulations, fuelling research into gentler yet highly effective ingredients. As a pioneering ingredients and chemical company, Stephenson is committed to pushing the boundaries of green chemistry.
For more information on our esterification capabilities, contact our team today.
References
1, Natural Cosmetics Ingredients Market, Industry Size Growth Forecast, Global Trends Report, [Latest]
