Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is stepping up its push into sustainable beauty ingredients with the launch of Cosmelin, a new range of high-performance, readily biodegradable esters designed for the cosmetics and personal care industry.

 

Targeting manufacturers of skincare, haircare, sun care and color cosmetics, the range combines formulation flexibility, premium sensory performance and improved environmental biodegradability, offering a functional alternative to conventional silicone ingredients.

 

Designed for use in both silicone-containing and silicone-free formulations, Cosmelin esters offer manufacturers greater flexibility in developing high-performance beauty products. In silicone-free formulations, they can serve as alternatives to widely used silicones such as cyclomethicone and dimethicone.

 

The esters meet the requirements of the OECD 301 standard for ready biodegradability. Compared with these conventional silicone compounds, they degrade significantly faster and more completely in the environment after use.

 

“With the Cosmelin esters LANXESS is addressing the growing demand for clean beauty products and eco-friendly ingredients without compromising the skin-feel and performance that consumers expect from premium cosmetic products” says Vince Patram, Head of Global Marketing Lubricant Additives at LANXESS.

 

The Cosmelin range spans a broad sensory spectrum, enabling formulators to create products ranging from light, fast-spreading textures to rich, film-forming finishes. Designed for low irritation and low comedogenicity, the esters are also suitable for formulations intended for sensitive skin.

 

Their versatility extends across multiple applications, with performance benefits tailored to the needs of each category.

 

In skincare, the esters deliver breathable moisturisation without a heavy or occlusive feel. They support skin hydration and the skin barrier while offering silky, powdery and plush textures.

 

In sun care, their strong solvency for organic UV filters helps create lightweight, water-resistant and non-whitening protective films.

 

In color cosmetics, effective wetting, pigment dispersion and color payoff support smooth, adherent application, allowing formulators to achieve both glossy and matte finishes.

 

In haircare, the ingredients help reduce friction, improve smoothness and enhance natural shine without leaving a greasy feel, while helping to repair and smooth hair cuticles.

 

The Cosmelin portfolio includes monoesters, diesters, polyol esters and trimellitates, catering to formulation requirements ranging from light and dry to rich and silky.

 

Among the featured products, Cosmelin 5131 (Isononyl Isononanoate) delivers an ultra-light, powdery skin feel, while Cosmelin 5145 (Cetyl Ethylhexanoate) is designed to create a rich, silky glass-skin finish. Cosmelin 5141 (Triisotridecyl Trimellitate), meanwhile, offers high gloss and long-lasting makeup performance.

 

LANXESS plans to continue expanding the Cosmelin portfolio to address diverse market requirements for sustainable beauty ingredients.

 

The launch further strengthens the company's home and personal care portfolio, which already includes preservatives and fragrance chemicals, as manufacturers increasingly seek ingredients that combine environmental considerations with the performance and sensory qualities demanded by consumers.