Clariant is stepping up its personal care innovation drive with the launch of three new ingredients at in-cosmetics Asia 2026, headlined by Eclipsogen CAP Duo Z, a ready-to-use hybrid UV filter system designed to simplify the formulation of high-protection sunscreens.

 

The Swiss specialty chemicals company is also introducing Sensotain ILS, a multifunctional emollient for advanced sun care and skin care formulations, and GlucoTain Pro P, an ultra-mild foam booster designed to deliver rich lather without compromising skin and hair care performance.

 

The launches come as demand for multifunctional, high-performance and consumer-friendly personal care products continues to gather pace across Asia-Pacific.

 

At the centre of Clariant's showcase is Eclipsogen CAP Duo Z, a new hybrid UV filter dispersion that brings together three organic UV filters — DHHB, EHT and BEMT — with zinc oxide in a single ready-to-use system.

 

Containing 38.5% total UV filter actives, the innovation aims to eliminate the complexity of handling and dispersing separate UV filters, allowing formulators to develop broad-spectrum hybrid sunscreens through a simplified, cold-processable manufacturing route.

 

The technology addresses a growing market opportunity. Sun care launches in Asia-Pacific surged 85% between 2021 and 2025, reaching 1,318 new products last year. Consumer expectations are also shifting, with 67% concerned about visible white cast, 58% preferring lightweight, non-greasy textures and 52% expressing interest in sunscreens combining organic and inorganic UV filters.

 

Clariant says Eclipsogen CAP Duo Z is designed to meet these demands while supporting energy-efficient manufacturing. The system is suitable for a range of formats, including serums, lotions, creams and milks.

 

Performance testing has delivered encouraging results. In Clariant's in-house in-vitro testing, a cream formulation containing 9% total UV filter actives achieved an SPF of 82.5 with Eclipsogen CAP Duo Z, compared with 67.8 for an equivalent system using free UV filters.

 

An external study also confirmed photostability and broad-spectrum protection, with the critical wavelength remaining at 377 nm after six hours of natural light exposure. Under the tested conditions, the dispersion produced a more uniform film than free UV filters, potentially helping reduce visible white cast and deliver a more seamless finish.

 

Further strengthening its credentials, a patch test involving 33 volunteers with sensitive skin recorded no skin reactions from a sunscreen formulation containing the ingredient.

 

"Sun protection has become part of everyday routines for consumers in Asia, and they expect strong protection in light textures that leave no white cast," said Vipul Bhatt, Head of APAC Personal and Home Care at Clariant. 

 

"With Eclipsogen CAP Duo Z, we bring organic UV filters and zinc oxide together in one ready-to-use system, so formulators can create high-protection hybrid sunscreens with fewer process steps. High protection no longer has to mean high complexity."

 

Complementing the sunscreen launch is Sensotain ILS, a multifunctional emollient developed to address some of the more demanding requirements of modern sun care and skin care formulations.

 

The ingredient offers UV filter solubilisation, pigment wetting and dispersion, while helping enhance the photostability of sensitive active ingredients. Its light, fast-spreading sensory profile, efficient pigment dispersion and low odour make it suitable for daily sunscreens, serum-like SPF products and colour cosmetics.

 

Clariant is also positioning the ingredient as a solution for formulations containing light-sensitive actives, including ingredients that require additional protection against degradation.

 

Clariant is extending its mild surfactant portfolio with GlucoTain Pro P, an ultra-mild foam booster designed to generate abundant, fast-forming foam even in the presence of oils.

 

The ingredient is particularly suited to facial cleansers for oily skin, makeup removers and anti-dandruff shampoos, where formulators need to balance effective cleansing with a gentle skin and hair care experience.

 

In hair-colour testing, GlucoTain Pro P reduced colour fading by 30% compared with SLES after three washes.

 

Alongside GlucoTain Pro P, Clariant is showcasing GlucoTain Sense, a palm-free sensory additive made from European sunflower oil and glucose. Designed to deliver creamier foam and a caring after-feel, it also helps build viscosity in rinse-off formulations, reducing the need for additional salt.

 

Both ingredients have COSMOS approval. GlucoTain Pro P and GlucoTain Sense have Renewable Carbon Index values of 93% and 96%, respectively, while GlucoTain Pro P is also available with RSPO Mass Balance certification.

 

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant is bringing its latest biotechnology-driven and natural active ingredient innovations to the event, with AlgaSurge taking centre stage.

 

The Quebec-based cosmetics ingredient specialist, which became part of Clariant in 2024, is highlighting AlgaSurge as a skin longevity active targeting three hallmarks of skin ageing.

 

Its key differentiator is a vegan PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) derived through biotechnology from red microalgae, offering an alternative to conventional animal-derived PDRN.

 

According to the company, just 2.5 ppb of AlgaSurge PDRN increased procollagen I production by 40%, outperforming salmon-derived PDRN used at 500 ppm, despite having 200,000 times lower DNA content.

 

With a molecular size of fewer than 100 base pairs, the ingredient is also designed to support skin penetration, opening up new possibilities for brands seeking biotechnology-based alternatives for advanced skin ageing solutions.

 

Another highlight is Lysofix Liquid, a gentle, silky cold-process emulsifier. New efficacy data presented by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics indicates that the ingredient helps soothe and reinforce the skin, making it particularly relevant for sensitive skin formulations. It also offers hair-care benefits by helping strengthen hair and improve dry combing.

 

With innovations spanning hybrid sun protection, mild cleansing, skin longevity and biotechnology-derived actives, Clariant is using its in-cosmetics Asia 2026 showcase to underline its focus on performance-led and sustainability-conscious personal care development.