Brenntag expands beauty formulation capabilities with new Shanghai innovation hub

Specialty chemical manufacturer Brenntag is opening a Life Sciences Innovation & Application Center in Shanghai, China, to expand its technical and formulation support for the personal care industry in the region. 

The new facility aims to support formulation development and ingredient testing for personal care and home care products, thereby strengthening the company’s Beauty & Care division.

Brenntag says the center allows its experts to work more closely with customers and suppliers across China and Hong Kong, and accelerates the development of new formulations based on emerging consumer and market trends.

“Through our new Life Sciences Innovation & Application Center in Shanghai, we are strengthening our ability to develop Beauty & Care formulations tailored to the rapidly evolving needs,” says Francois Bleger, president at Brenntag Specialties for the Asia-Pacific region.

“By working closely with partners across the value chain, we can accelerate innovation and deliver solutions that respond to emerging consumer trends.”

The Shanghai center also supports Brenntag’s broader Life Sciences portfolio which, beyond Beauty & Care, includes Food & Nutrition.

Amplified capabilities

The new Innovation & Application Center also enables company experts to analyze emulsion structures and evaluate the performance of surfactant foam to improve the performance of formulations.

Scientists at the facility will also conduct tests on the force of combing hair and conduct analyses on different skin types. Moreover, the laboratory will perform performance testing for laundry formulations to help the company refine its home care offerings and their cleaning performance.

To facilitate small-batch formulation trials and process validation before full-scale production, the facility includes a laboratory-scale mixing system. Similarly, International Flavors & Fragrances, at its Singapore fragrance production plant, uses a Colibri robot to speed up and modernize its R&D processes.

Asia market push

The Shanghai Center aims to strengthen Brenntag's innovation capabilities in China and Hong Kong.At the ongoing PCHi (Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients) 2026 tradeshow in Hangzhou, China, Personal Care Insights spoke with multiple companies that are unveiling novel personal care innovations. 

Givaudan launched VectorHyal, a new HA-based skin care delivery system that enhances ingredient stability and efficacy.

Clariant’s Lucas Meyer Cosmetics introduced a new beauty active, AlgaSurge, a vegan PDRN alternative for skin hydration and radiance. Meanwhile, Evonik is showcasing a portfolio of targeted active and functional ingredients for skin care, sun care, color cosmetics, and hair care. 

Beyond the current exhibition, China has seen a wave of cosmetic players increasing their local activity. Late last year, French beauty giant L’Oréal took two minority stakes in respective C-beauty brands in less than a month. The brands, Lan and Chando, are said to support L’Oréal’s long-term recovery in China by boosting its growth, without competing directly with its premium labels.

“We firmly believe investing in China is investing in the future, and we will continue to cultivate the Chinese market…and meet the expectations of sophisticated Chinese consumers,” said Vincent Boinay, president of L’Oréal North Asia and CEO of L’Oréal China.