Cargill recently highlighted two novel ingredient innovations, BotaniDesign and Actigum Care, demonstrating the company's commitment to sustainability and high-performance solutions. One is an emollient and plant-based alternative to petroleum jelly while the other is a natural rheology modifier replacement for traditional petro-based polymers.
BotaniDesign – A Natural Alternative to Petroleum Jelly
BotaniDesign (INCI: Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides) is a plant-based emollient offering a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to petroleum jelly. Designed to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly beauty, it serves as a 1:1 replacement for petro-based petrolatum in formulations without compromising efficacy, per the company.
Key features are:
- Naturally derived and 100% biodegradable,
- Vegetable-based, designed for easy formulation transitions, and
- Comparable performance to white petrolatum in consumer studies, including ease of application, smoothness and lasting moisturization effects
BotaniDesign achieves near-identical results to white petrolatum across various sensory categories, the company reports, with smoothness and moisture effects maintained up to six hours post-application.
Actigum Care – A High-Performance Natural Rheology Modifier
Actigum Care (INCI: Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate (and) Sclerotium Gum) is a 94.5% naturally derived rheology modifier, blending hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and sclerotium gum. This innovative ingredient serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional petro-based polymers, enhancing both functionality and sensoriality.
Benefits include:
- 94.5% natural origin composition,
- Superior performance compared to synthetic polymers and
- Improved sensory characteristics, including quick absorption, increased freshness and enhanced smoothness, according to Cargill.
When tested in a bouncy anti-aging cream, experts noted Actigum Care delivered better pick-up, faster absorption and improved rub-out freshness compared to formulations using synthetic carbomer.
Advancing Sustainable Beauty Formulations
BotaniDesign and Actigum Care represent a step forward in the personal care industry’s shift toward natural and sustainable solutions. These innovations offer chemists, formulators and R&D managers opportunities to create eco-conscious, performance-driven products.
