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No Boundaries: formulating for genderless beauty cosmetics
The beauty and personal care industry is dynamic, swaying and shifting toward consumer-driven approaches to product definitions, categorizing them, and how brands and manufacturers educate consumers to help them make decisions for their specific beauty needs.
Beauty often takes cues from fashion trends, and the culture has shifted toward progressive trends that challenge traditional – and divisional – beauty standards.
By breaking away from traditional beauty norms and past categorizations, consumers can expand their beauty regimens or find joy and artistic expression through beauty through a breadth of available options on an unprecedented scale. The pressure falls on beauty producers and formulators to meet this anticipated influx of demand.
The Univar Solutions global Solution Centers have created genderless beauty cosmetics formulations. These prototypes aim to capture the inclusive beauty market trends and help our customers on their journey in meeting the demand for genderless beauty products.
Our team knows that beauty has No Boundaries. These formulas break down barriers and support inclusive beauty lovers through textures, colors, and benefits that suit brands and manufacturers exploring the genderless beauty cosmetics space.
Every Fiber Hair Renew Mask
Nourish and restore every hair fiber. Luxuriously soft, easy to apply, rinse, and naturally derived. A creamy, nourishing oil and butter-based mask that leaves every hair fiber rejuvenated and smelling like sunshine.
Challenge:
It is often difficult to stabilize a natural-based emulsion formula with synthetic conditioning agents. Combining natural oils and specialty ingredients, we achieved an efficient, high-performing hair mask with a sizeable bio-based content.
Every Fiber Hair Renew Mask
Nourish and restore every hair fiber. Luxuriously soft, easy to apply, rinse, and naturally derived. A creamy, nourishing oil and butter-based mask that leaves every hair fiber rejuvenated and smelling like sunshine.
Challenge:
It is often difficult to stabilize a natural-based emulsion formula with synthetic conditioning agents. Combining natural oils and specialty ingredients, we achieved an efficient, high-performing hair mask with a sizeable bio-based content.
Non-ionic and bio-based oil-in-water emulsifier composed of alkyl polypentosides with fatty alcohols. It has an HLB value of 9.0- 9.5. The xylose head group is made from agricultural and agro-industrial residues of lignocellulosic biomass (wood), whereas the fatty alcohol tail group source is RSPO mass-balanced certified. It is delivered as waxy pellets whose dispersion in the oil phase at low use levels allows the creation of PEG-free, low-viscosity emulsions of vegetable oils, fatty esters, or silicones with internal phases of up to 40%. It is non-GMO, > 99% natural origin index per ISO 16128, and has 100% renewable carbon content.
An innovative hydroxyamino functionalized silicone that delivers superior conditioning to the surface of damaged hair. It restores hair’s hydrophobic state, reduces hair breakage, and provides ease of styling benefits.
A multi-benefit, plant-based ingredient whose strong efficacy against bacteria and yeast protects formulations from microbial growth. It is an ideal component for products designed to be self-preserving. Added benefits of this ingredient include odor control and the minimization or elimination of soaping during rub-in of emulsion formulations.
dsm-firmenich
Quali® E - DL-α-Tocopheryl Acetate ›
A powerful, oil-soluble antioxidant and free-radical scavenger, vitamin E enhances moisturization and strengthens the skin barrier. It helps counteract the appearance of inflammation linked to oxidative processes through the downregulation of its mediators.
Featured suppliers
Green Goodness Balancing Conditioner
Get closer to nature with a hair ritual that includes this cannabis-infused conditioner. Used daily, this gentle cream conditions tresses and locks moisture into the hair cuticle. The star conditioning agent (derived from renewable cannabis feedstocks) helps to balance pH and optimize moisturization and performance.
Challenge:
For the most incredible conditioning results, conditioners need to maintain an acidic pH. However, formulating in this range often can make emulsion stability difficult to achieve. This balancing conditioner has a pH of 4-4.5 to lock down the hair cuticle, seal in moisture, and improve shine.
Green Goodness Balancing Conditioner
Get closer to nature with a hair ritual that includes this cannabis-infused conditioner. Used daily, this gentle cream conditions tresses and locks moisture into the hair cuticle. The star conditioning agent (derived from renewable cannabis feedstocks) helps to balance pH and optimize moisturization and performance.
Challenge:
For the most incredible conditioning results, conditioners need to maintain an acidic pH. However, formulating in this range often can make emulsion stability difficult to achieve. This balancing conditioner has a pH of 4-4.5 to lock down the hair cuticle, seal in moisture, and improve shine.
Inolex
LexFeel™ N350 MB ›
A 100% natural and sustainable emollient that has the sensory feel and spreading profile of dimethicone. In haircare products, it enhances the shine and texture of the hair while reducing frizz and wet-combing force.
Inolex
ProCondition™ Sativa ›
A multifunctional hair conditioning Agent and emulsifier derived from Cannabis sativa seed oil. As a hair conditioning Agent, it has comparable performance to cetrimonium chloride (CTAC). As a primary emulsifier, it builds formulation stability by the formation of lamellar liquid crystals.
Corbion
PURAC® UltraPure 90 ›
A novel, low odor, and colorless ultra-pure grade of natural Lactic Acid. It is a versatile ingredient, with effects ranging from hydration to anti-aging. Its action can be tuned by adjusting the product formulation's use level and pH.
dsm-firmenich
Quali® B - Niacinamide PC ›
This readily biodegradable powder strengthens the scalp barrier and moisturization while helping to increase hair diameter. Niacinamide PC has a low level of residual nicotinic acid to address any concerns to minimize scalp sensations
A 100% natural, broad-spectrum alternative preservation system with complete broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold, with additional benefits of odor control and anti-soaping in emulsions.
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Vitaplex 2-in-1 Hand & Hair Conditioner
Consumers of inclusive beauty products value convenience and effectiveness. This multi-functional product helps to condition skin and hair in a flash and contains bio-based conditioning agents. It’s a leave-in product that helps to keep locks feeling soft and hydrated. For hands, soothe the skin with the intense texture and anti-inflammatory vitamins while enjoying the heavenly matcha fragrance. This ingredient for genderless beauty formulations offers a multifunctional daily vitamin dose of B3, B5, B6, C, and E.
Challenge:
Traditional harsh cleansing agents and high actives content clean the skin/hair effectively but leave skin dry and hair feeling filmy. The goal of this product was to develop a multi-functional formula that provided benefits without over-stripping skin and hair. The combination of gentle sulfate-free surfactants in this bar still provides cleansing, while the butter sand bioderived oils ensure your skin and hair are completely nourished.
Vitaplex 2-in-1 Hand & Hair Conditioner
Consumers of inclusive beauty products value convenience and effectiveness. This multi-functional product helps to condition skin and hair in a flash and contains bio-based conditioning agents. It’s a leave-in product that helps to keep locks feeling soft and hydrated. For hands, soothe the skin with the intense texture and anti-inflammatory vitamins while enjoying the heavenly matcha fragrance. This ingredient for genderless beauty formulations offers a multifunctional daily vitamin dose of B3, B5, B6, C, and E.
Challenge:
Traditional harsh cleansing agents and high actives content clean the skin/hair effectively but leave skin dry and hair feeling filmy. The goal of this product was to develop a multi-functional formula that provided benefits without over-stripping skin and hair. The combination of gentle sulfate-free surfactants in this bar still provides cleansing, while the butter sand bioderived oils ensure your skin and hair are completely nourished.
dsm-firmenich
BeauPlex® VH ›
An all-in-one vitamin compound containing vitamins B3, B5, B6, C, and E – all of which have a beneficial and protective effect on the skin and the scalp and are shown to strengthen hair. New in-vivo studies validate that BeauPlex® VH can help increase hair density, thickness, and pigmentation.
Inolex
ProCondition™ Sativa ›
A multifunctional hair conditioning Agent and emulsifier derived from Cannabis sativa seed oil. As a hair conditioning Agent, it has comparable performance to cetrimonium chloride (CTAC). As a primary emulsifier, it builds formulation stability by the formation of lamellar liquid crystals.
dsm-firmenich
Quali® B - D-Panthenol 75L ›
Valued in skin and hair care for its moisturizing properties. It has anti-inflammatory effects and soothes irritated and sensitive skin. It is known for its humectant properties and ability to improve hair resistance to mechanical stress for hair care applications.
Inolex
SustOleo™ BA ›
A palm-free, natural structuring Agent and secondary emulsifier that provides exceptional stability in emulsions and anhydrous systems. It is a texturizing Agent and viscosity adjuster that is an ideal alternative to palm-derived emulsifiers typically used in personal care.
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Pucker'UP Lip Polisher
This oil-based strawberry sugar scrub smooths roughness and leaves the user with soft, refreshed lips. Its multitude of moisturizing ingredients includes many sustainable, bio-based, natural, vegan, and palm-free options.
Challenge:
It can be difficult to optimize the process for a lip balm that has suspended particles. If you pour while it is too hot, all the particles fall to the bottom. However, if you pour too cold, your product will not have a smooth finish.
Our optimized oil thickening package is BEE product-free. It allows an easy low-viscosity mixing process with broad pour temperature from 75°C down to 55°C thanks to the new 100% bio-based oil thickener.
Pucker'UP Lip Polisher
This oil-based strawberry sugar scrub smooths roughness and leaves the user with soft, refreshed lips. Its multitude of moisturizing ingredients includes many sustainable, bio-based, natural, vegan, and palm-free options.
Challenge:
It can be difficult to optimize the process for a lip balm that has suspended particles. If you pour while it is too hot, all the particles fall to the bottom. However, if you pour too cold, your product will not have a smooth finish.
Our optimized oil thickening package is BEE product-free. It allows an easy low-viscosity mixing process with broad pour temperature from 75°C down to 55°C thanks to the new 100% bio-based oil thickener.
Inolex
LexFeel® Natural ›
An effective bioactive ingredient used in a wide range of beauty care formulations including skin, sun and hair care. Allantoin improves skin moisture retention and provides a smoothing effect. It is an effective anti-irritant and protecting agent for the skin, perfect for anti-aging products. It also helps minimize the appearance of aging and skin damage.
dsm-firmenich
life's GLA™ '10' n-6 Oil ›
A blend of an ultrahigh viscosity dimethiconol in C13-15 alkane, a bioderived, inherently primary biodegradable carrier, is used in hair care, skincare, suncare, and color cosmetic applications.
Inolex
SustOleo™ DCS ›
A non-palm, 100% natural emollient and slip agent with light cushion and silky after-feel.
Inolex
SustOleo™ MCT ›
A non-palm, 100% natural medium chain triglyceride (MCT) that is sustainably derived from castor and coconut oils. It is a non-greasy, clear, and odorless natural emollient with an elegant after-feel and a medium spreading profile.
Featured suppliers
Ageless EYE Hydrating Gel
Inclusive beauty consumers can look forward to hydrating their eyes with this bright pink hydrating gel. Packed with Vitamin B12, allantoin, and luxurious oils, it’s an intense dose of moisture that helps keep the eye area refreshed and youthful. Hydration is the key to good skin!
Challenge:
Creating an ultra-smooth, rich gel formula packed with nourishing actives (while maintaining natural content) can be a difficult task for formulators. This formula manages all three by incorporating high-performing silicone blends with naturally based carriers.
Ageless EYE Hydrating Gel
Inclusive beauty consumers can look forward to hydrating their eyes with this bright pink hydrating gel. Packed with Vitamin B12, allantoin, and luxurious oils, it’s an intense dose of moisture that helps keep the eye area refreshed and youthful. Hydration is the key to good skin!
Challenge:
Creating an ultra-smooth, rich gel formula packed with nourishing actives (while maintaining natural content) can be a difficult task for formulators. This formula manages all three by incorporating high-performing silicone blends with naturally based carriers.
dsm-firmenich
ALLANTOIN ›
An effective bioactive ingredient used in a wide range of beauty care formulations, including skin, sun, and hair care. Allantoin improves skin moisture retention and provides a smoothing effect. It is an effective anti-irritant and protecting agent for the skin, perfect for anti-aging products. It also helps minimize the appearance of aging and skin damage.
dsm-firmenich
AMPHISOL® K ›
Oil-in-water emulsifier designed to meet high stability needs of challenging and complex formulations like sunscreens, skincare, and make-up formulations. Its exclusive microdomain technology allows formulators to stabilize complicated formulations, including those with high loads of pigment and high contents of oil, ethanol, and electrolytes, and new data shows it helps improve foam height in surfactant systems.
A blend of an ultrahigh viscosity dimethiconol in C13-15 alkane, a bioderived, inherently primary biodegradable carrier, is used in hair care, skincare, suncare, and color cosmetic applications.
A sensory enhancer in a renewable carrier that allows brands to offer a unique sensory experience while meeting the growing demand for formulations with high natural content.
Made with what is left from plant cultivation after harvesting, this upcycled ingredient is sourced from renewable feedstocks. EcoSmooth™ Universal Fluid 1100 is biodegradable and has a good safety profile, making this carrier ideal for formulating very high natural content.
dsm-firmenich
life's GLA™ 25 n-6 Oil ›
A natural extract of oil from Borage plant seeds, naturally rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with 23% γ-linolenic acid (GLA) in the form of triglycerides. It is stabilized with dl-α-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate. A younger and smoother appearance of the skin can be achieved with life's GLA™ '25' n-6 Oil.
dsm-firmenich
Quali® B - (Vitamin B12) ›
NEW biotech, naturally derived, pink vitamin that helps relieve sensitive and irritated skin, protects the skin barrier, promotes a more vibrant-looking complexion, and helps prevent photodamage. It provides a pleasant pink color in cosmetic formulations. Studies are available related to atopic dermatitis, erythema and inflammation.
Featured suppliers
Fill It Up Matte Primer
Fill It Up Matte Primer’s luxurious sensory touch leaves the skin soft and silky with a powdery matte finish. Pores and wrinkles blur into the background, leaving faces perfectly primed for the day.
Challenge: Anhydrous formulas can often feel greasy or sticky on the skin. We've formulated this primer with an ideal blend of ingredients to create a smooth base for your makeup which leaves your skin looking pore-free and perfectly matte.
Fill It Up Matte Primer
Fill It Up Matte Primer’s luxurious sensory touch leaves the skin soft and silky with a powdery matte finish. Pores and wrinkles blur into the background, leaving faces perfectly primed for the day.
Challenge: Anhydrous formulas can often feel greasy or sticky on the skin. We've formulated this primer with an ideal blend of ingredients to create a smooth base for your makeup which leaves your skin looking pore-free and perfectly matte.
This blend mixes easily with water and water-soluble materials to form a gel-like texture with superior aesthetics. It is also compatible with organic materials to expand your formulation flexibility.
A soft powder that provides a unique, smooth, bouncy and silky feel with optical effect and sebum control. It can be easily processed for color cosmetic and skin care products.
A silica obtained from upcycling rice husk, a by-product from agriculture. It is supplied as a white, free-flowing powder.
dsm-firmenich
Quali® E - DL-α-Tocopheryl Acetate ›
A powerful, oil-soluble antioxidant and free-radical scavenger, Vitamin E enhances moisturization and strengthens the skin barrier. It helps counteract the appearance of inflammation linked to oxidative processes through the downregulation of its mediators.
Featured suppliers
Glowin'Up Rosy Highlighting Cream
For genderless beauty solutions, this rose gold shimmery gel cream brings a touch of ethereal light to cheekbones. Its super soft texture glides on easily and stays on the whole day.
Challenge:
While many high-performing silicone cosmetics in North America are made with cyclic siloxanes, recent EU regulations are implementing limits on these siloxanes in some applications. This highlighter is formulated to fit these regulations with <0.1% D4, D5 & <0.1% D6 expected, with no compromise on performance.
Glowin'Up Rosy Highlighting Cream
For genderless beauty solutions, this rose gold shimmery gel cream brings a touch of ethereal light to cheekbones. Its super soft texture glides on easily and stays on the whole day.
Challenge:
While many high-performing silicone cosmetics in North America are made with cyclic siloxanes, recent EU regulations are implementing limits on these siloxanes in some applications. This highlighter is formulated to fit these regulations with <0.1% D4, D5 & <0.1% D6 expected, with no compromise on performance.
A low D4 and D5 version of DOWSIL™ EL-9041 that gives a smooth and silky feel. It provides thickening in anhydrous and W/O emulsion formulations and a long-lasting skin feel. It is hot or cold processable. Clear, colorless gel.
A soft, oil-loaded silicone elastomer powder that provides a rich, moist sensory texture and disperses easily with less agglomeration. Its translucent appearance helps naturally hide pores and provides excellent affinity to skin. It supports low-viscosity emulsion formulations with its low thickening effect and provides a fresh sensory feel.
A water-soluble, non-irritating complete preservation system that functions in a broad pH range and is cold processable.
Inolex
Spectrastat™ PHL ›
A non-palm, 100% natural medium chain triglyceride (MCT) that is sustainably derived from castor and coconut oils. It is a non-greasy, clear, and odorless natural emollient with an elegant after-feel and a medium spreading profile.
Advancion
TRIS AMINO™ ULTRA PC ›
A globally approved high-purity buffer, solubilizer and neutralizer with superior color stability. Compared to TEA, it has a lower equivalent weight and a higher pKa value. It is also soluble in water and alcohol, low in toxicity and more efficient than TEA when developing a high alkaline pH or neutralizing acid-functional ingredients.
Featured suppliers
The Hydrator All-Over Cleansing Bar
This 3-in-1 solid mild cleanser for the body, hair, and face is perfect for a head-to-toe cleanse while giving the user's skin and hair the conditioning and hydration they crave. It’s formulated with a special ingredient that will help to deposit the oils on the hair and skin so that genderless beauty consumers can enjoy the benefits of their properties.
Challenge:
Many bar soaps and harsh cleansers can leave the skin feeling dry. This formula uses mild, sulfate-free surfactants to create a rich foam, and its texture provides superior transfer to skin and hair. After use, the user's skin will feel clean and hydrated.
The Hydrator All-Over Cleansing Bar
This 3-in-1 solid mild cleanser for the body, hair, and face is perfect for a head-to-toe cleanse while giving the user's skin and hair the conditioning and hydration they crave. It’s formulated with a special ingredient that will help to deposit the oils on the hair and skin so that genderless beauty consumers can enjoy the benefits of their properties.
Challenge:
Many bar soaps and harsh cleansers can leave the skin feeling dry. This formula uses mild, sulfate-free surfactants to create a rich foam, and its texture provides superior transfer to skin and hair. After use, the user's skin will feel clean and hydrated.
Renewable low-viscosity cationic dextran supplied in water. Bio-derived from sugar and extracted leveraging advanced bio-fermentation process; 81% bio-based carbon content. Highly efficient deposition aids in shampoo and body wash formulation, boosts conditioning effectiveness in combination with benefit agents such as silicones or natural oils, and is efficient for multiple hair types. Easy to use, broad compatibility profile, cold or hot processable.
A vegetable-based, readily biodegradable surfactant that provides sensory benefits to shampoos, facial washes, body washes/shower gels, and hand soap formulations. It offers broad compatibility with other common personal care ingredients and is preservative-free. This has an excellent environmental profile and gives formulators a surfactant solution with low toxicity and ecotoxicity.
A water-soluble PEG-90M with a relatively low molecular weight. In a cream, lotion, gel, or stick, the product will go a long way toward making your products glide on smoothly.
A biodegradable, cationic cellulosic polymer derived from non-GMO wood pulp helps deliver superior conditioning to shampoos, leave-on products, conditioners, and body washes. Its conditioning performance matches some silicones in categories such as enhanced combability, reduced breakage, and restored hydrophobicity.
Featured suppliers