Kensing to acquire Evonik’s surfactant and specialty esters operations

02 Aug 2022 --- Vitamin E manufacturer Kensing has inked a deal to acquire German specialty chemicals company Evonik’s amphoteric surfactant and specialty esters production operations in Virginia, US.

The acquired operations focus on skincare, hair care and oral care applications in the US market. Kensing hopes to increase its product portfolio for the personal care and home care industries in these areas with this purchase.

Serge Rogasik, Kensing CEO, explains the operations the company will acquire as a result of this transaction are complementary to Kensing’s existing product portfolio derived from plant-based feedstocks.

“With this acquisition, we are building on our leadership position in high-purity anionic surfactants and expanding Kensing’s presence.”

Oilier skin areas, such as the face, have higher levels of vitamin E.Rohan Narayan, a partner at One Rock adds that the company supports Kensing in its second add-on acquisition and believes that the newly acquired natural raw material-based products suit Kensing’s current portfolio.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022.

Surfactants and esters
Surfactants are substances that reduce the surface tension of two liquids, a gas and a liquid, or a liquid and a solid. Surfactants can be used as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents or dispersants in home care.

In the cosmetic industry, surfactants are used for cleaning, foaming, thickening, emulsifying, solubilizing, penetration augmentation, antibacterial properties, and other unique effects. The fact that surfactant molecules are compatible with both water and oil is what makes them effective cosmetic elements.

In turn, esters act as thickening agents in cosmetics. Lotions, creams, conditioners, and other personal care products benefit from thickeners because they improve the consistency, viscosity, and volume.

Among its previous activities in the surfactants arena, Evonik invested in the world’s first production plant of bio-based rhamnolipids, based in Slovakia. Rhamnolipids are biosurfactants that can be used instead of petrochemical ingredients to lift dirt and grease.

Vitamin E may help your skin resist environmental stressors from the inside out when consumed.

Cosmetic applications of Kensing’s vitamin E
In other recent developments, Kensing also acquired Spain-based Vitae Naturals. The acquisition looks to expand in the nutrition, food and personal care industry, as both specialize in vitamin E.

The company aims to “strengthen the natural footprint in Europe and enable further expansion in food ingredients,” said Rafael Cano Mariblanca, general manager of Vitae Naturals.

“Kensing provides a strong platform to build upon our position in our existing markets and expand further into the personal care market. Together, we have a truly diversified footprint with numerous growth opportunities.”

With vitamin E being a fat-soluble vitamin that serves as an antioxidant, it protects skin cells and those throughout the body from harm.

For skincare applications, vitamin E can be leveraged into daily routines in two ways. First, vitamin E can be found in sebum, the oil that skins naturally produce, however, sebum production and vitamin E levels naturally fall with aging.

UV light sources such as sunlight, tanning beds and certain fluorescent, halogen and incandescent light bulbs deplete vitamin E as well. Using moisturizers that contain the vitamin, skin can be prevented from losing its moisture, cells can be protected from injury and skin can be softened.

Secondly, embracing a more holistic approach to skincare, when ingested in sufficient quantities, vitamin E may also help your skin resist environmental stressors from the inside out. Sunflower seeds and oil, almonds, corn oil, spinach, broccoli, kiwi and mango are all high in vitamin E.

By Mieke Meintjes

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