Lubrizol Life Science unveils baby care ingredients for shampoo, skincare and diaper rash cream NPD

22 Dec 2021 --- The global baby care products market size is estimated to reach US$25.4 billion by 2028. PersonalCareInsights speaks with Maxime Fougere, global beauty marketing manager at Lubrizol Life Science, who examines suitable ingredients, future trends and the most sought-after baby care products in the baby care industry.

The demand for baby care products has been rising due to evolving preferences for premium and specialized baby care products.

“In 2021, natural ingredients, fragrance-free and antibacterial properties claims were the most important benefits sought when purchasing baby and children personal care products,” says Fougere.

“As baby skin can be damaged by cleaning a lot, brands with a natural approach in baby personal care appealed more in 2021, besides biodegradable claims for wipes segment. Analyzing the personal care field, most bought categories were shampoo, bubble bath, nappy cream, baby oils, and sun care for kids.”

“Megatrends” expected in the baby care industry
Fougere expects the baby care “megatrends” will be “sustainability, diversity/inclusion as well as proven efficacy and safety.”

Considering sustainability, “more sustainable – meaning organic, vegan, cruelty-free, water-free, biodegradable – formulations, as well as biodegradable and recyclable wipes, will be sought after and popular,” he says.

The clean beauty trend is the most influential for the baby care industry as it is where safety, sourcing, sustainability and ethics meet, he explains.

Taking a look at diversity or inclusivity, “the launch of new products designed for melanin-rich skin tones and coily or wavy hair will become popular. US brands are starting to launch new product lines in that direction,” details Fougere.The demand for baby care products has been rising due to evolving preferences for premium and specialized baby care products (Credit: Lubrizol Life Science).

Lastly, the proven efficacy and safety trend will feature “ingredients that are gentle and mild. Skincare claims related to skin reactivity such as: dermatologically tested, for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic will remain the most relevant ones,” he adds.

Baby care portfolio
Lubrizol Life Science’s baby care portfolio features ingredients that can be used in formulating products for skin and baby applications.

Firstly, the company’s Pemulen EZ-4U polymeric emulsifier is used as an emulsion stabilizer and thickener. He adds that its surface activity is minimal compared to a traditional emulsifier, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin.

The company’s Glucate DO emulsifier is used as a co-emulsifier. “It is a mild and naturally-derived co-emulsifier that also acts as an emollient,” says Fougere.

“Schercemol CO, Schercemol NGDO and Schercemol 1818 are the esters recommended for baby applications. Meanwhile, the Actisoothe advanced botanical ingredient is a blend of mushroom extracts that act as a pacifier for reactive skin,” he explains.

The Actismart SW Chamomile extract is also known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.

Baby wipes and diaper rash cream
Lubrizol Life Science’s cleansing lotion is an emulsion with a low level of a mild and amphoteric surfactant, details Fougere.

“Pemulen TR-2 polymeric emulsifier and Glucate DO emulsifier stabilize the emulsion. The emolliency and soft after-feel is brought by the Schercemol 1818 ester.”

The Delicate Baby Diaper Rash Cream is an “ultra-smooth diaper rash cream containing zinc oxide which helps treat and prevent diaper rash.”

Also used in the diaper rash cream is the Avalure Flex-6 polymer, which has “an excellent compatibility with metal oxides which makes it the perfect zinc oxide dispersant.”

Fougere adds the Promulgen D nonionic emulsifier offers co-thickening and stabilization in this easy-to-apply aqueous emulsion.In 2021, natural ingredients, fragrance-free and antibacterial properties claims were the most sight after benefits when considering baby care products (Credit: Lubrizol Life Science).

“The Avalure Flex-6 polymer also delivers a non-sticky and breathable film on the baby’s bottom, which provides more comfort.”

Curly Hair Kids shampoo
The Curly Hair Kids shampoo formula contains a mild surfactant system formed by Sulfochem TD-3 and Chembetaine OL-30 surfactants and Chemonic LI-7 surfactant, which improves the product’s emolliency and hair conditioning feel, details Fougere.

“Quickpearl EGL pearlizing agent is stabilized by Carbopol Aqua SF-1 polymer and promotes a nice pearlized effect to the final formula,” he says. “The Merquat, 2001 conditioning polymer, improves the sensory feel and detangling, and Hydramol PGPL ester brings conditioning for curly hair, which requires greater conditioning performance.”

“The mild and naturally derived Glucam E-20 humectant brings humectancy to the hair, and the mild Glucamate LT thickener increases the viscosity,” he adds.

Baby care industry growth
As the baby care industry booms, industry players are tapping into NPD suitable for a baby’s skin and hair. Previously, multinational beauty company Coty released Kylie Jenners, Kylie Baby. The collection includes a conditioner, bubble bath, moisturizing lotion and shampoo.

Meanwhile, L’Oréal’s skincare brand CeraVe introduced a reformulated baby care range developed with pediatric dermatologists that featured added vitamin E. CeraVe also redesigned its packaging for its signature Baby Moisturizing Lotion, Baby Moisturizing Cream and Baby Healing Ointment.

Also tapping into baby care NPD, The Baby Kingdom created a natural baby care product line that includes shampoos, body washes, and rash and body creams. The ingredients used include nettle extract, which helps to calm and soothe delicate skin. Vitamin E, aloe vera and chamomile, which are also featured in the products, help moisturize the skin and provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and healing benefits.

By Nicole Kerr