ISP presents new ingredient line-up

Introduced at the exhibition in Italy were ISP's X-tend and Escalol UV protecting ingredients, Ceraphyl SLK, a new emollient for personal care formulations, and OptiPhen, a paraben-free preservative for skin care and hair care applications.

Following the successful launch of the company's anti-inflammatory ingredient Vital ET late last year, ISP appears to be furthering research into sun care formulation. X-Tend, a new novel ester promises high solubility capacity for sunscreens meanwhile the launch of Escalol claims to improve UV protection for hair.

Ceraphyl emollient, also launched at InCosmetics 2004, has also been designed and marketed by ISP to reduce the oiliness that UV absorbers create and to improve spreadability of the end product. The ingredient has been flagged by the company to be ideal for use in sun creams, body lotions and deodorant formulations.

"The sun care market has still got room for extra growth. Sun care products are the fastest growing market in the personal care sector. Helped by the heatwaves that swept Europe last year demand has exceeded expectations and the market has not yet reached 100 per cent penetration, "​ Euromonitor analyst Claire Briney told CosmeticsDesign.com.

Optihen, a presevative that offers an alternative to paraben in skin care and hair care applications was also presented in Milan. Marketed as a paraben and formaldehyde- free product, the ingredient is claimed by ISP to have a low toxic profile and no pH restrictions making it compatible with most cosmetic ingredients.

"OpiPhen is a liquid blend featuring phenoxyethanol as the primary active ingredient in an emollient base. The ingredient is non-sensitizing and provides highly effective anti-microbial protection and is not inactivated by any raw materials used in the personal care industry,"​ said director of ISP marketing Nancy Clements.

Having acquired German Biochema Schwaben - a formulator of preservatives and biocides for cosmetic applications - and UK microencapsulation manufacturer Hallcrest Limited last year, ISP has made no secret of its continuing investment into its personal care activities.

"We're always on the look out for new areas of business for strategic growth. Our work in the field of rheology modifiers, styling and bioactives will be key to our success in 2004. Another acquisition is definitely not out of the question for the coming year,"​ Clements hinted to CosmeticsDesign.com in Italy this week.