In Cosmetics Global 2026: CH-Bioforce targets microplastic-free hair care with upcycled ingredient

CH-Bioforce will present a portfolio of upcycled Finnish biomaterials for cosmetics at In-cosmetics Global 2026 (April 14–16) in Paris, France. At the show, the company will debut Hairforsense, a bio-based hair styling technology designed to replace fossil-based polymers in hair care formulations. 

The ingredient is developed from oat husk side streams using the company’s proprietary BioForsense technology. It targets the cosmetics industry’s push to eliminate microplastics from formulas and reduce the reliance on petrochemical inputs, while maintaining performance in hair care products.

“The EU microplastics restriction is forcing the industry to actively rethink formulation strategies. At the same time, consumer awareness is increasing, particularly around rinse-off products and environmental impact,” Mari Taipale, chief operating officer at CH-Bioforce, tells Personal Care Insights.

“What is interesting now is that formulation innovation is starting to catch up. For a long time, alternatives existed but couldn’t fully match performance. That gap is now closing, which makes the transition [toward microplastic-free ingredients] more realistic for brands.”

Maintaining performance

Replacing fossil-based styling polymers in hair care formulas is a challenge in the personal care industry, as alternatives can lag in performance.

“Performance has always been the key barrier, as hair styling polymers must deliver hold, flexibility, humidity resistance, and the right sensory feel,” explains Taipale.

She says Hairforsense takes a different approach, as it uses a bio-based structure derived from upcycled oat husk. This method leverages the natural functionality of biopolymers for film-forming and structuring effects.

“It is designed to work as a standalone, multifunctional ingredient, providing volume, hold, texture, conditioning, and definition in one material,” Taipale says.

“In contrast, many natural alternatives require multiple components to achieve similar performance. This enables microplastic-free styling without compromising functionality.”

Multifunctional portfolio

Alongside the launch, the Finnish biomaterials company will showcase its broader ingredient portfolio for skin care, hair care, and makeup, including Xylense, Lignense, and Cellense. The ingredients are also made from upcycled oat husk.

The cosmetics industry is working to eliminate microplastics from cosmetic formulas.The trio provides microfibrillated and microcrystalline cellulose solutions that can function as rheology modifiers, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and sensory enhancers in cosmetic formulations.

Beyond texture and stability, the ingredients also offer functional properties such as prebiotic support, moisturizing effects, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, and potential natural UV-absorption.

Building greener supply chains

Taipale tells us that traceability and regional sourcing are becoming increasingly important, especially for European brands. “There is a growing demand for transparency — not only in terms of origin, but also processing and supply chain reliability,” she says.

CH-Bioforce’s raw materials, sourced from Finnish oat husks, are a byproduct of the food industry. Using the side stream allows the company to work with a well-documented, consistent, and renewable raw material stream, Taipale notes.

“The upcycling aspect is key. We are not introducing new agricultural demand, but rather adding value to an existing side stream. Combined with local sourcing and controlled processing, this supports both sustainability goals and supply chain transparency.”

She concludes that sustainability is no longer just about replacing an ingredient, but about rethinking the role of materials in formulations. 

“Biopolymers offer an opportunity to combine functionality and active benefits in a single ingredient, which can simplify formulations while improving their environmental profile. For the industry, the real opportunity lies in moving from substitution to innovation — designing entirely new approaches to performance based on renewable and circular materials.”