PCHi 2026 live: Clariant’s Lucas Meyer Cosmetics unveils vegan PDRN alternative for skin care

Clariant and Lucas Meyer Cosmetics have unveiled their latest beauty actives at PCHi 2026 (Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients). The expansions to the ingredients company’s portfolio include an emulsifier, a rheology modifier for UV solutions, and a vegan polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) skin longevity product.

Personal Care Insights speaks with Julia Kang, China marketing manager at Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant, about the PDRN products AlgaSurge live at the PCHi show in Hangzhou, China.

AlgaSurge — a microalgae-derived highly-purified sulfated polysaccharide (SP) hydrogel — is touted as an alternative to hyaluronic acid (HA) in the skin renewal and moisture retention segments.

“For all our clinical studies, we have outperformed the HA group,” says Kang. She continues that the product demonstrates visible benefits after one use and can be used to “help to boost skin radiance, skin hydration, skin barrier, and reduce wrinkles.”

The company reports that AlgaSurge distinctly outperformed HA in a test conducted on 90 volunteers in which 1% HA, 1% AlgaSurge, and a placebo were compared. 

The study indicated up to a 34% improvement in skin radiance and dewiness, a 67% reduction in wrinkle count, and as high as a 57% improvement in plumpness over 28 days.

The company refers to AlgaSurge as a highly stable vegan PDRN alternative, addressing its traditional counterpart’s cost and sustainability concerns.

Clariant’s portfolio expansions

Another innovation unveiled at the PCHi show is the Plantasens Emulsifier HP 49, an oil-in-water emulsifier made up of four stearic acid-derived ingredients. The emulsifier functions by forming liquid crystal structures and allowing for “superior formulation stability while emulsifying up to 30% oil phase.”

The stearic acid base of the emulsifier enables the protection of the skin barrier and provides moisturizing lipids for the skin surface while elevating hydration and elasticity. The product is also said to meet the growing market demands for luxurious sensoriality through its rapid emulsion breakdown.

Clariant is also presenting a rheology modifier designed to align sun care formulations with “skin care-level excellence” by elevating sensory experience while delivering improved UV protection.

The company reports that formulations containing 0.5% Aristoflex SUN provided a 75% SPF enhancement, increasing protection from SPF 30 to 52.5.

“Both Plantasens Emulsifier HP 49 and Aristoflex SUN demonstrate how we’re elevating everyday skin care by combining proven efficacy with sensory excellence,” says Sophia Kim, global marketing manager of Skin Care at Clariant. 

“Whether it’s reinforcing the skin barrier function with immediate moisturization or transforming sun protection into a luxurious experience, we’re empowering brands to develop products that offer tangible benefits consumers can see and feel.”