Consumer demand for natural cosmetics is growing rapidly, prompting personal care manufacturers to find eco-friendly alternatives. With this texturising biopolymer Hydagen Clean, BASF now offers a natural alternative to synthetic polymers.
The cold processable rheology modifier, obtained from the tuber of the konjac plant native to Southwest China, is suitable for aqueous systems like gels, fluids and serums, as well as more novel formats such as patches, jellies and peel-off formulations. Its film-forming and gelation properties allow for exceptional textures. Due to its low microbial count and rapid dissolution in both cold and hot water, Hydagen Clean is characterised not only by its high quality, but also by its ease of use. It is suitable for skin microbiome-friendly formulations and has been proven to have an immediate cooling effect when used in eye patch formulations. Thanks to its versatility, the biopolymer can be used to create face care, body care and styling products with pleasant sensory profiles.
“The launch of Hydagen Clean is an important step in strengthening the BASF biopolymer portfolio and our wider commitment to sustainability,” said Jason McAlpine, Vice President Business Management for Personal Care Europe. “Our biopolymers not only enable our customers to meet a growing consumer demand, but also help them to comply with upcoming regulatory changes.” With Hydagen Clean, BASF is expanding its offering of innovative and eco-friendly solutions. In accordance with the company’s Sustainable Solution Steering, a method to help customers measure their products’ impact on sustainability, Hydagen Clean is an “Accelerator” that makes a significant contribution to the value chain. This makes it a perfect addition to BASF’s Care Creations existing biopolymer portfolio, which is built on a class of natural rheology modifiers including Rheocare XGN (pure vegan xanthan gum) and Hydagen 558 P (based on algae). BASF’s biopolymers are 100 percent derived from natural, renewable feedstocks. They are all biodegradable and have a high level of purity as well as a positive rheological profile. They also enable various appealing textures in both leave-on and rinse-off products and provide good film-forming properties – both on their own and in combination with other ingredients.
