Innospec’s Iselux surfactants get the nod from China, major expansion on the cards

07 Jan 2022 --- Innospec’s flagship “ultra-mild,” sulfate-free and 1,4-dioxane-free surfactants have been approved by the Chinese government, the company says. The green light means that Iselux is officially available worldwide for personal and home care applications.

The manufacturer now has access to the world’s second-largest personal care market.

Surfactants are lather-able ingredients used in personal care products like shampoos and soaps. Iselux is currently used in over 3,000 body, hair and personal care products.

According to Patrick S. Williams, president and CEO of Innospec, the US-based company has worked with Chinese regulators for “many years” to gain approval. 

China is home to the fastest-growing online retail market in the world.Innospec is optimistic after the ruling, saying it will significantly expand the range of formulation alternatives the company can offer its customers. Bruce McDonald, president of Innospec performance chemicals, says the approval will allow its customers to standardize global formulations and streamline supply-chains for Iselux products.

Innospec also recently unveiled plans to make over US$70 million of organic growth investments through 2023, supporting increased demand for personal and home care products and technologies.

The world’s largest e-commerce market
China’s beauty and personal care market is the second-largest globally. The country’s online retail market has been the largest in the world for eight consecutive years. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), it is home to the world’s fastest-growing consumer market. This is projected to remain until at least until 2030. 

Consumption accounted for 54.8% of China’s gross domestic product in 2020, and the country has plans to boost this further. 

In 2020, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said it was continually developing solutions to expedite online/offline integration and expand rural consumption. This is significant, as China holds the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce market according to the WEF. China is currently responsible for more than half of e-commerce sales worldwide, the WEF says.

According to the US International Trade Administration (ITA), China’s cosmetics market grew by over 150% between 2012 and 2020. This is driven by rising demand for premium products and the growing presence of women in the job market, the ITA says.US cosmetics are quite popular among Chinese consumers.

The ITA highlights that US skincare products are “especially popular” among consumers in China. In 2020, skin and hair care products accounted for 63% of China’s cosmetics and toiletries market.

Iselux surfactants
Innospec’s Iselux (sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate) surfactant is a gentle cleanser. According to the specialty chemical manufacturer, it can serve as a primary or secondary surfactant. 

It is available in liquid and solid form, completely clear and is said to deliver a “superior” lather to alternative products. The formulation is completely water-soluble, and it is reportedly more hydrolytically stable and pH-stable than comparable products. This makes formulation easier, the company says.

Innospec says that developing products such as Iselux addresses increasing consumer demand for high-quality, ethical beauty products. 

“Innospec is well-positioned to support our customers’ sustainability goals through continued investment in our innovative, clean beauty technologies,” says Williams.

Edited by Olivia Nelson