Solvay debuts oil and sugar based biosurfactants, fossil fuel alternative

14 Jun 2022 --- Solvay has introduced two biosurfactants: Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60. These are touted to be 100% biobased and biodegradable surfactants and are manufactured through a cost-efficient fermentation process to be applied in cosmetics. 

“With the potential of a net neutral carbon footprint in the near future, biosurfactants represent a step-change technology in the eco-design of next-generation beauty care products,” says Galder Cristobal, research and innovation director, Home and Personal Care at Solvay. 

The surfactant molecules are compatible with water and oil, which makes them useful as cosmetic ingredients. 

The company says that the ingredients do not have harmful effects on the environment, unlike synthetic surfactants.

Green chemistry principles
Green chemistry is the design of chemical products that eliminate the production of harmful substances. 

According to the multinational chemical company, no compromises were made with regard to the performance of Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60, and they reflect Solvay’s attitude toward a more environmentally sustainable and regenerative economy.

“The eco-profile of Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60 is a breakthrough compared to conventional, fossil fuel-based surfactants,” comments Cristobal.

The surfactant molecules are compatible with water and oil, which makes them useful as cosmetic ingredients.Surfactants in the beauty industry
Surfactants are used in a variety of different skincare and haircare products such as shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, face washes and creams. They foam, thicken and emulsify, which makes them important components in daily cosmetic use routines. 

Set on the preservation of resources and the contribution to safer and cleaner products, Solvay’s One Planet Roadmap initiative aims to speed up the process of transforming environmentally friendly beauty ideas into actions: providing beauty for consumers and maintaining beauty for the planet.

“This product launch underlines our commitment to surfactants technology and our long-term vision for the future,” Jean-Guy Le Helloco, global vice president, home and personal care at Solvay confirms. “We focus on future technology shifts to enable our customers to reach their [environmental] sustainability goals.” 

Solvay’s Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60 are manufactured with rapeseed oil and sugar with a low environmental and carbon footprint.

Solvay in the news
Meanwhile, another initiative for the conversion to environmentally sustainable alternatives at Solvay is expanding. Its Jaguar range of biodegradable guar-based polymers with two new functional polymers for skin and haircare is developing.

Jaguar NAT SGI and Jaguar Excel polymers will give Solvay’s partners access to new formulations which address increasing global regulations and consumer demand for climate-friendly beauty products.

The new polymers enter the Jaguar range alongside Jaguar HP-8 COS SGI for thickening and Jaguar C500 STD for conditioning. The polymers are suitable for use in shampoos, hair treatments, conditioners, styling gels, body washes and powder-to-liquid cleansers.

Edited by Mieke Meintjes