Clariant revealed its natural-derived, readily biodegradable opacifier to minimize the impact of shampoos, conditioners, hand washes and other rinse-off shower and bath products on marine and river life. Plantasens OP 95 (INCI: Not Provided) is described as a microplastic-free ingredient that delivers powerful opacifying performance at low concentrations while imparting a creamy, white appearance with luxurious, caring consumer appeal.
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According to the company, the push for more ocean-friendly personal care has extended beyond packaging, as consumers increasingly demand biodegradable cosmetic ingredients and regulatory initiatives to ban microplastics take shape. Under an EU/EEA legislative proposal, most traditionally used opacifiers, which are not biodegradable, are considered as microplastics and will therefore be banned in rinse-off formulations if restrictions take effect as expected in 2022.
“Because rinse-off formulation ingredients will usually end up in waterways and oceans, providing readily biodegradable solutions to this cosmetics sector is an important focus of our product development,” comments Hermann Bach, head of strategic marketing and innovation, Clariant BU Industrial & Consumer Specialties. “This 95% natural origin, microplastic-free opacifier extends options for developing more environmentally-compatible personal care. By answering formulators’ needs on multiple fronts, it enables an easy switch from water-dispersible acrylate copolymers without compromising on visual appeal.”
The ingredient reportedly provides formulators an easy-to-use, sulfate-free, drop-in solution for opacifying a wide range of hair and body care applications and for supporting the demand for eco-conscious products. It can extend new claims to their rinse-off formulations and achieve ideal viscosity in formulas without adding rheological agents.
