From origin to impact: Univar Solutions on the convergence of personal care and planetary health

Consumers increasingly demand that cosmetics containing natural and organic ingredients disclose information on sourcing, sustainability, and the performance of the plant-derived components. As these demands become common practice in beauty communication, broader sustainability considerations — such as traceability, ethical cultivation, and environmentally responsible production processes — are entering the spotlight.

Irena James, senior business development manager for North America beauty and personal care at Univar Solutions’ Ingredients and Specialties division, says definitions of “natural” and “organic” are evolving, and with them, the formulation challenges of plant-based ingredients. 

“Natural and organic are no longer defined solely by ingredient origin,” James tells Personal Care Insights. “They now encompass process integrity, traceability, and environmental responsibility.”

“Consumers now expect proof of sustainable cultivation, fair trade, and low-carbon production, alongside uncompromised performance. Standardization and clinical validation are becoming critical as demand for consistent results grows.”

What shifts are you noticing in consumer behavior around natural and organic personal care?
James: Consumers are increasingly informed and expect transparency backed by data, clinical results, sourcing details, and environmental metrics. Authenticity and substantiation have become non-negotiable. Value perception is evolving, and shoppers are willing to invest in natural products that deliver measurable performance.

This convergence of personal well-being and planetary health is driving demand for brands that demonstrate science-based sustainability. As natural and organic evolve into measurable standards, brands that embrace science-backed sustainability and transparent storytelling will lead the next chapter in personal care. 

What challenges or opportunities arise as brands shift toward plant-based formulations?
James: The primary challenge is preserving sensoriality and stability while reducing reliance on synthetics. The shift is driving innovation, and Dermalcare LIA MB by Syensqo exemplifies this trend. The ingredient is a 100% plant-based, COSMOS-certified emollient derived from renewable feedstock waste.Irena James, senior business development manager for North America beauty and personal care at Univar Solutions’ Ingredients and Specialties division.

It improves UV filter solubilization, reduces tackiness, and enhances sensory after-feel, all while being microbiome-friendly and biodegradable.

Similarly, MaizeCare Clarity Polymer from Dow demonstrates that sustainability and performance can coexist. Derived from corn, it offers flexible styling in hair care and film-forming benefits in skin and makeup, delivering long-lasting effects and sebum resistance in clear formulations.

Which natural or organic ingredients hold untapped potential for future skin care innovation?
James: As sensitivity concerns rise, barrier-support ingredients with strong clinical backing are gaining importance. Upcycled botanicals are emerging as sustainability heroes, offering soothing and protective benefits.

A prime example is Stimu-Tex AS from dsm-firmenich, a blend of upcycled spent grain wax, cold-processed argan oil, and shea butter. It helps deliver rapid relief for irritated skin and aligns with clean-beauty principles through its sustainable sourcing and proven efficacy.

Moreover, the AlpaFlor range from dsm-firmenich represents the gold standard in Alpine botanicals. Organically cultivated in the Swiss Alps under strict fair trade practices, these bioactives are COSMOS-approved and fully traceable.

At its core is AlpaFlor Edelweiss, a resilient flower renowned for its antioxidant and protective properties, which thrives in extreme conditions. This range reflects a commitment to biodiversity preservation and eco-conscious innovation, delivering high-performance naturals without compromise.