Cosmospheres

A sustainable solution for sensory appeal

Colorful Omya Cosmospheres

It’s just over a year since the European Union banned the use of plastic microbeads in cosmetic products, but for more than a decade now manufacturers have been looking for eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives.

Carolina DiazQuijano, Director Technical Service Consumer Solutions at Omya, says cellulose beads offer an effective, sustainable solution that meets both functional and aesthetic needs for a range of formulations: “Consumers are far more aware of the environmental impact of the products they choose, so whilst they want the sensory experience that beads provide, they don’t want it at the expense of the planet. That’s where Cosmospheres come in.”

Cosmospheres® are solid, spherical beads made from microcrystalline cellulose derived from natural sources, combined with either lactose or mannitol. These biodegradable ingredients are designed to break down upon application, leaving no residue behind, which is crucial for ensuring a clean and pleasant consumer experience. Cosmospheres are ideal for a wide range of formulations and help enhance the sensorial experience of products, which can effectively communicate the active benefits of a formulation to the consumer.

Primarily used as exfoliants or texture enhancers in personal care and cosmetic products, Cosmospheres can be easily customized in composition, size and colour. This is important to formulators, says Carolina DiazQuijano: “Cosmospheres can be tailored to meet specific formulation needs, for example they can incorporate a wide range of ingredients, such as actives, sensory agents, pigments and oils. Cosmospheres® break down smoothly when applied, giving a clean finish with no residue. This makes them particularly suitable for high-end skincare, oral care, and hygiene products where a luxurious feel is paramount.”

There is no doubt that consumer preferences have changed, with growing awareness around sustainability leading to a shift away from harmful microplastics to biodegradable solutions. Cosmospheres fit the bill perfectly, with COSMOS-approved and NMPA-registered variants, as well as vegan-friendly formulations using mannitol.

Carolina DiazQuijano: concludes, “With Cosmospheres, brands can improve sustainability while still delivering innovative and engaging products to their customers. They offer a win-win solution, where the consumer benefits from a more pleasurable experience.”

 

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