PCHi 2026 live: Cargill Beauty showcases nature-derived emulsification technology system

Cargill Beauty has showcased its skin care emulsification systems that harness nature-derived ingredients at the PCHi 2026 (Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients) trade show, which is currently ongoing in Hangzhou, China.

Consumer demand, especially in Asia, for naturally derived ingredients with strong performance in the beauty and cosmetics space continues to grow. Cargill Beauty has developed unique emulsifiers from ingredients that have traditionally been used in food applications. According to the company, these emulsifiers respond to the demand for nature-derived, performant ingredients.

Personal Care Insights speaks with Chellan Huang, senior marketing manager, APAC Cargill Beauty, to discuss the innovations at the show. 

“Hero” product: Botany Design

First to highlight is the company’s “hero product in APAC,” according to Huang. Positioned as an ally for sensitive skin, Botany Design is a highly occlusive, naturally derived moisturizing ester.

“We have had a lot of success with this in China, Korea, India, Thailand, and Australia,” she tells us from the show floor. 

“People love it because it’s suitable for sensitive skin. This product serves as a derived natural and plant-based alternative to petroleum jelly, embodying our commitment to sustainability.”

Botany Design stands apart as a 100% derived natural and readily biodegradable emollient. In a world increasingly focused on eco-conscious choices, this product aligns with the growing demand for sustainable beauty solutions, which Huang says is “part of Cargill Beauty’s DNA” as a company that is “very much concerned about sustainability.”

StarDesign Power is a multifunctional, naturally derived emulsifier that combines thickening and skin-feel-enhancing effects.As a vegetable-based drop-in replacement for petrolatum, Botany Design facilitates a 1:1 transition from petro-based products in emulsion formulations. This adaptability ensures a smooth transition for manufacturers seeking more sustainable alternatives. 

The company also presented Topcithin OW P IP at the trade show, its latest innovative emulsifier penetration-enhancing emulsification technology, which allows nutrients to penetrate deep into the skin.

StarDesign Power

Another innovation being showcased at PCHi is Cargill Beauty’s StarDesign Power, a multifunctional, naturally derived emulsifier that combines thickening and skin-feel-enhancing effects.

Huang says: “This is a starch-based emulsification, and it works together with Botany design to provide a versatile solution that is suitable for Asian skin. StarDesign Power and Botany Design work synergistically together.”

According to her, StarDesign Power is very rigid in formulation; it is around 40,000 high viscosity, but it has very nice sensory attributes and can be part of any morning routine system.

“Essentially, it comes from emulsifiers. Given the very fierce competition of other lotions and creams on the market, this really helps with cost in use. For all three of the products, the market is very much driven by the cost-in-use approach. So all three of the formulations [Topcithin OW P IP, StarDesign Power, and Botany Design] cost approximately US$2.50, which is relevant to the spending needs in Asia. This approach offers a sustainable and affordable solution without compromising on quality or performance.”

While formulations with that light, airy texture are a common feature in many products from China and other Asian markets, these formulations offer more than just a lightweight feel, Huang explains.

“It’s built on a foundation of nature-derived ingredients, incorporating emulsifiers, active components, and a carefully engineered system that enhances overall performance.”

In traditional formulations aiming for high viscosity, she says that brands often rely on ingredients like waxes or simolene to achieve a rich, sensory experience.

“However, our approach takes a different route: by utilizing Star Power and other emulsifying agents, we create a formulation that feels occlusive yet maintains a lighter, more breathable sensory profileThis year, Cargill Beauty launched Topcithin OW P IP, a 100% extracted from non-GMO soy. for the skin.”

Soy-derived ingredient

Finally, Cargill Beauty highlighted its Topcithin OW P IP ingredient, a 100% extracted from non-GMO soy. Topcithin OW P IP is a biomimetic technology.

“Cargill is a global leader of the soybean supply chain, so this is a very critical path for us,” shares Huang. 

“This year, we launched Topcithin OW P IP, and this is a very innovative emulsification, because what it does is help to build up the emulsification, the stability of the formulation, and the smaller molecular size, while also helping the active ingredient, canal tissue, to the skin levels.”

With additional reporting by Sabine Waldeck at PCHi 2026, in Hangzhou, China