Suitable for rinse-off, leave-in treatments and styling products, SensoTrue DM5TM by Givaudan Active Beauty is a bio-based emollient developed via a combination of white biotechnology and green chemistry as an alternative to 5 cSt dimethicone (DM5 silicone). The innovation marks a significant milestone in hair care innovation, combining proven silicone-like performance with a bio-based, upcycled composition, setting a new reference for the next generation of high-performance formulations.
It pairs premium sensory performance with a significantly improved environmental profile, delivering the luxurious feel of a silicone and supporting the industry’s shift towards more sustainable formulations.
For decades, silicones have set the hair care standard for softness, shine and smoothness. With growing consumer demand for naturally derived ingredients reshaping the benchmark, brands are looking for a suitable alternative that doesn’t compromise sensory or efficacy.
SensoTrue addresses this challenge through an innovative emollient complex engineered from renewable sugarcane and upcycled pine terpenes. With a unique multi-molecular alkane architecture, combined with complementary polymeric emollients, it acts on three complementary levels:
- Low-molecular-weight volatile alkanes mimic cyclopentasiloxane by spreading evenly across the hair before evaporating cleanly, for smooth, uniform coverage without residue.
- Mid-molecular-weight non-volatile alkanes penetrate the cortex to provide long-lasting hydration, while strengthening the hair fibre from within.
- High-molecular-weight polymeric emollients form a lightweight, flexible film that smooths the cuticle, reduces friction and controls frizz, delivering silicone-like conditioning without any build-up.
"SensoTrue DM5TM demonstrates how biotechnology can open up new possibilities for high- performance, naturally derived hair care ingredients," says Fabrice Lefèvre, Innovation and Marketing Director. "By combining renewable resources, green chemistry and advanced molecular design, we are enabling brands to meet consumer expectations for a premium hair care experience, without compromising on their environmental commitments."
These performance claims are supported by instrumental testing. “SensoTrue DM5TM delivers a significant improvement in hair performance: 60% less wet combing force, 24% less frizz and 42% less flyaway, outperforming both 5 cSt dimethicone and D5 across all three parameters1”, says Ricky Ho, Senior Category Manager.
Consumer testing confirms these instrumental results. Over 85% of women perceived visible efficacy after just one application, up to 88% of women felt their hair was healthier after 10 days, and up to 92% of women expressed high satisfaction with the SensoTrue DM5TM routine.
