Bio-based beauty: Dow and BSB Nanotechnology partner to upcycle rice for cosmetic powder
04 Aug 2022 --- Dow has partnered with BSB Nanotechnology to expand bio-based, low-carbon ingredients for makeup formulation. The partnership is now working to bring EcoSmooth rice husk cosmetic powder to the market.
Made up of non-GMO natural sources, the powder is upcycled from rice husk, a renewable resource produced as a by-product of rice milling. It is known to deliver optical benefits like blurring imperfections and mattifying skin due to its high sebum absorbing characteristic.
With eco-conscious solutions in skin care, hair care and color cosmetic applications, rice husk is used for myriad applications in the personal care market.
“Dow’s partnership with BSB Nanotechnology shines a light on how we continue to deliver on our commitment to transition toward a circular and low-carbon personal care offering,” says Isabel Almiro do Vale, global marketing and strategy director at Dow Personal Care.
Scaling circular skincare
Earlier this year, Dow unveiled a selection of ingredients and products derived from sustainable sourcing using upcycled and natural materials within its ECOllaboration collection, targeting three critical themes for natural beauty: ecology, economic development and eco-conscious mindset.
In a strategic move, the company also partnered with Univar Solutions to strengthen and expand the distribution channels in Brazil for Dow Organics’ Ecosense, Aculyn and Versene, among other brands.
EcoSmooth rice husk cosmetic powder is upcycled from rice husk, a renewable resource produced as a by-product of rice milling.In an effort to achieve its Close the Loop 100% recyclable packaging by 2035, Dow commercialized aluminum-free, recyclable toothpaste tubes, driving global circular economy solutions in the oral hygiene sector.
Following the sustainability expansion suit in the home, personal care and cleaning space, Dow also expanded its alkoxylation production capacity to provide more surfactants meeting the soaring US and EU demand.
Bio-based ingredients in spotlight
Beauty ingredients that are sourced directly from nature align with the clean label movement that ties into environmental sustainability. Consumers increasingly demand skin care solutions that are based on botanical ingredients, which deliver the same functionalities as their synthetic counterparts.
Researchers at the International University Vietnam recently highlighted that phytocosmetics are making a long-awaited comeback after being pushed aside by a wave of interest in synthetic products. They performed a literature search to review updates behind the potential use of flavonoids in cosmetic applications. Notably, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and photoprotective activities were recognized.
In other developments, scientists from Hildago, Mexico, studied the dynamics of lycopene, discovered to be functional in limiting MMP-1 secretion, an enzyme responsible for collagen damage, by approximately 50%. Additionally, it may help restore pro-collagen secretion.
Skincare brand Burt’s Bees recently unveiled that nature-based cleansers are more beneficial for skin health than other skin cleansers. The brand presents data on the efficacy and tolerance of natural-origin regimens for acne-prone, sensitive, aging and melanin-rich skin.
Use of biological ingredients and clean beauty is on the rise.
Demand for natural ingredients is also expanding seaweed’s applicability in cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics to improve the skin’s appearance and treat dermatologic disorders.
Among other recent highlights, Biobased synthetic compounds producer Biosynthetic Technologies launched BioEstolide 250-100, a non-GMO castor derived, environmentally friendly and vegan emollient.
The bio-based label is also being featured prominently across new packaging innovations. Shiseido recently partnered with Sulapac to scale bio-based and anti-microplastic packaging lids, which came as part of its initiative to source ingredients from high-tech indoor vertical farming – deemed “an agricultural breakthrough”
By Radhika Sikaria
