Symrise reformulates emollient with 100% natural-origin content

Symrise has updated its PCL-Solid emollient to PCL-Solid green, made entirely from natural-origin feedstocks. 

The relaunched ingredient is part of the company’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on petrochemicals in cosmetic formulations. It is vegan and produced using 100% natural-origin content, as defined by ISO 16128.

According to the technical specifications, PCL-Solid green is a colorless ester blend with a neutral odor. It melts quickly on the skin and provides a smooth, soft, and non-greasy finish.

The material is designed to improve texture and consistency in formulations across several categories, including face care, body care, lip care, sunscreens, and color cosmetics.

PCL-Solid green is also approved globally and compatible with multiple product formats, such as solid sticks and water-free formulations. This broadens its potential applications in categories where formulators increasingly seek alternatives to conventional petrochemical-derived emollients.

Symrise states that the transition was carried out without changes to the ingredient’s functional profile.

The beauty industry is seeing a growing interest in ingredients of natural origin and reduced environmental impact.Innovating green alternatives

The relaunch reflects the growing interest in ingredients of natural origin and reduced environmental impact. These demands continue to influence product development across the personal care sector.

This week, Pilot Chemical Company announced it would expand its personal care portfolio with biobased replacements for D5 silicones, signing a global licensing deal with RiKarbon for its UpSycal BA14 and BA17 emollients.

Moreover, Mibelle Group also unveiled a CO2-derived alternative to palm oil developed with LanzaTech and Fraunhofer IGB. The ingredient is produced through a two-stage fermentation process that converts greenhouse gas emissions into a fat blend with a similar composition to palm oil.

Personal Care Insights previously reported on how biosurfactants are emerging as sustainable replacements for conventional surfactants. We spoke with suppliers such as AmphiStar, Evonik, and Syensqo, who are expanding their fermentation-based portfolios.